A 91-YEAR-OLD artist who accredits his remarkable drawing talents to a daily tipple, has been commended by the brewery who supplies a community centre he helped set up.

Jack Gingell, of Mount Pleasant, Bradford on Avon, has been painting beer logos to decorate the Mount Pleasant community centre for more than 20 years.

Presented with a keg of Moles beer on Thursday for his continued dedication to the centre, Mr Gingell said: "It's such a surprise. This started as a hobby and that's just how it has remained - something I really enjoy."

Mr Gingell has painted for more than 80 years, ever since his teacher entered him for a local painting competition at the age of 11.

During the Second World War he served with the forces in Egypt, where his commander was keen to develop his obvious talents.

"They had me painting things to brighten the place up - soon I was placed into the officers mess to give me more time to do it," he said.

Mr Gingell paints chalk slates depicting different beer logos for the social club, amassing some 51 hangings that adorn most of the clubs walls, including the Toucan that appeared on Guinness adverts in the 1930s.

He also has a separate naughty corner' with some more exotic images taken from pump illustrations dating back to the 1980s.

Haydn Tranter, sales and marketing manager for Moles Brewery based in Melksham, said: "Jack has been an outstanding lifelong member of the club and this felt like a good opportunity to wish him a merry Christmas and New Year as well as saying thanks for his continued support."

The former school, which became a community centre in 1982, is staffed by volunteers, of which Mr Gingell is one of the original members.

Despite diagnosed with glaucoma, which affects his eyesight, Mr Gingell continues with his artistic hobby unabated.

He said: "Its so surprising what you can teach yourself. I started with just tarps and linseed oil - none of the materials you can use today."