AN art lover who has bone and lung cancer has given inspiration to others by holding his own exhibition.

A selection of 20 paintings by Mark Milsom have gone on show at Basildon library, in St Martin’s Square, featuring portraits, landscapes and city scenes.

This exhibition, which is running until April 19, is the culmination of a lifelong dream for Mark, 47, to showcase his work in his home town.

He said: “It’s hard painting since I got cancer, as I get the shakes a lot, but I still love painting and it can be therapeutic.”

Mark, who has two children and two step-children, has to go for regular chemotherapy at Southend Hospital, and recently donated a huge canvas painting of a flamenco dancer to the Elizabeth Loury Ward at the hospital. He said: “The ward was quite dreary, and I thought it could do with cheering up, so I decided to donate the painting. When you are suffering from cancer you need to be surrounded by things that can inspire you and cheer you up.”

Mark is also keeping busy helping to organise Basildon’s first arts trail, to be held in the district in September.

He added: “I think it’s good to keep busy after being diagnosed with cancer.

“Things like painting or other activities that people enjoy can help you get through the tough times.

“I hope that by looking at my paintings others in the same position may be inspired to take up a hobby.”