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John Littlehales is a passionate painter and has been since he was an infant.

But it was not until his 50s after he suffered an accident at work when he really took his hobby to the next level.

John, 84, from Old Cantley has painted over 300 incredible landscapes and he says that the benefit to his mental well being has been astounding.

He said: “It stops me from going crazy.

“I just couldn’t do without it.”

John attended Doncaster College after he retired at 54 and it was there that he was able to hone his skills.

But art runs in his family’s blood and John believes he gained a love for it from his uncle who was also an artist.

“I’m addicted to it and it really helps me a lot,” John said.

“I’m not a well person but this is a huge comfort.”

John has his very own art studio at home built by his son and the whole family supports him with his passion for paint.

He paints every single day and loves nothing more than focusing on the Lake District.

Before retirement John had a career in tailoring and then welding with an additional eight years spent as a miner.

“I never really treated painting seriously before I retired,” he said.

“I got married and had family and work to think about.

“Now my family is so supportive of my painting - I want to say thank you to Ann, my wife.”

John has honed his craft over a lifetime but he believes that anyone can paint.

“Most people don’t like making mistakes,” he said.

“But being prepared to make them is the only way you will learn.”

Through lockdown John has relied on painting to beat the boredom and said that it has brought him great joy this year.

“We’ve been stuck in the house,” he continued.

“I know this is a comfort I can enjoy which many people don’t have.”

John does not often sell his paintings but he is open to if anyone is interested.

Doncaster man shares his love of painting and how it has got him through tough times