A TALENTED artist who turned to drawing after being diagnosed with cancer has seen his work displayed in buildings across Basildon.

John Cord, 68, picked up a pencil and pad as a way of forgetting his troubles after being told 15 months ago he had bone cancer.

His first design was a handdrawn picture of Valerie Lodge Day Centre, in High Road, Pitsea, run by mental health charity Mind.

Bosses were so impressed with the creation they hung it on the wall, and Mr Cord said this is when his confidence started to grow.

The former chauffeur attends three art classes a week at the George Hurd Centre, in Audley Way, Basildon, as he tries to improve his skills. Mr Cord, of Mistley Side, Basildon, said: “When you’re concentrating on a piece of artwork, everything else goes out of the window. I don’t get depressed, but if you’ve got troubles, drawing is very therapeutic.

“I’ve always been good at art, but I haven’t always practiced it.”

He now has work displayed in buildings across the borough, including the Costa coffee shop in the High Street, St Gabriel’s Church, in Rectory Road, Pitsea, and St Martin’s Church, in the town centre.

For every piece of artwork which gets hung, Mr Cord donates £5 to St Luke's Hospice, in Nethermayne, which is helping him through his cancer battle.

His has recently turned to drawing pubs, with the most recent addition being displayed at the Plough and Tractor, in Great Knightleys, Laindon.

Mr Cord added: “I take photographs of any buildings which interest me and draw them. Some are quite quick to do, but others can take weeks or months, depending on how intricate they are. I prefer old buildings because they are more detailed and have got more character. Churches can be the hardest to draw.”