FOR decades, John Trueman used his artistic prowess for his painting and decorating business, but now retired, he is putting it to a different use.

The 66-year-old has opened a gallery, studio and shop in Idle –- the area where he has lived all his life– - to show people “what I can do”.

Mr Trueman paints local scenes and how Bradford used to be. His work includes a painting of the Bradford Odeon and how it was years ago, as well as one of how Market Street used to look.

His aim, he says, is to bring some culture back to Idle.

“I think it is missing,” said Mr Trueman. “All the shops have been closing down. At one time in Idle you could buy everything –- you didn’t need to go out of the village. It is getting like a ghost town, really.”

Mr Trueman’s background is in art, before he took a slightly different path.

“I went to regional college of art from school, but never followed it up,” said Mr Trueman. “I went into the painting and decorating trade instead.”

He added: “I have always painted. I wanted to show people what I can do. I have set up the studio, and I’m selling paintings and taking commissions.”

Mr Trueman will paint in the shop –- which is on The Green and is called Brushstrokes – - and said: “People can come in and watch me painting the pieces.”

His work includes landscapes, seascapes, water colours, oils, and pallet knife paintings.

Mr Trueman’s son, Jim, said he was proud of what his dad was doing, and added: “He has been painting for years, and as far as I’m concerned he has not got the recognition he deserves.

“He doesn’t realise he is as good as he is.”

Jim also revealed that his dad sold the first painting on the first day of an exhibition at Cartwright Hall in Bradford a few years ago.

Councillor Dominic Fear (Idle and Thackley, Lib Dem) said: “It is wonderful that he is doing something he loves,. aAnd bringing a bit of art into Idle is fantastic.”

He added: “Idle still has that sense of being a village, and feeling of community. If his art can reflect that and helps recreate something that people feel nostalgic for, then that is wonderful.

“If he can give people a feeling of community then that is fantastic –- I will definitely be popping down to have a look.”