PENSIONER Ken Dixon described himself as “absolutely useless” at art as a schoolboy.

But at the age of 86, his artistic talents are clearly transformed, as tomorrow he will be awarded a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Teesside University.

Mr Dixon is from Thornaby, near Stockton, and his graduation guests will include his wife of 56 years, Jean, and their two children, David and Elizabeth.

The pensioner, who also has three grandchildren, said: “My wife is a retired teacher and my children are both graduates – David has a business studies degree from Hull and Elizabeth a masters in business from Teesside. So I’ve finally caught up with Jean and our kids.”

He added: “We’re going to make a day of the celebration.”

Mr Dixon left school at 14 and his first job was as a van boy driver for the Co-op laundry, followed by a post as a wagon driver.

He joined the RAF aged 18 and flew with Bomber Command in the Second World War.

After the war, he worked as a cashier for a locomotive works in Stockton, then moved to Derby as an engineering buyer for Rolls-Royce.

He returned to Teesside as a financial adviser until his retirement.

His interest in art was reawakened 18 years ago.

Mr Dixon said: “We went on honeymoon to Keswick in 1955 and I bought some crayons and a pad.

“I kept this pad and, in 1993, Jean and I returned to Keswick, having bought a caravan, and I started to paint in it. My interest developed after that.”

He completed some courses at Cleveland College of Art and Design, then an access course at Stockton Riverside College, leading to Teesside’s fine art degree.

Mr Dixon said: “I was accepted by all, although I wasn’t tempted to dye my hair green and purple.

“I enjoyed the teaching – the lecturers were very helpful, always available and not strict.

“You weren’t pushed in any particular direction and were allowed to find your own way.”

Mr Dixon developed a passion for painting trees, which he exhibited in his final-year show.

He said: “I find trees have a lot to say as pictures and as entities themselves.”

He added: “My advice to anyone my age, who is thinking of studying, is just do it.

“You’ll get all the help you need and be made very welcome.”