A carpet seller who has been drawing for 20 years has put his work on show for the first time as part of a community art event.

Neil Benjamin, 48, of DC Carpets in High Road, Leytonstone, never thought anyone would be interested in seeing his work.

But He has already sold ten prints after exhibiting his drawings in the shop and is now plannng his next exhibition.

Mr Benjamin said: "I have been doing these pictures for the last 20 years, but it is the first time I have shown them like this.

"I am so pleased to have done an exhibition. It has been an eye opener and I have had a fantastic reaction from the public. I didn't expect to sell any prints, so I am pleased."

He was encouraged to put the work up by organisers of the Leytonstone Arts Trail project, which sees local artists exhibit in shops and house windows.

Mr Benjamin's prints on canvas were created using pen and pencils and are part of a collection called The Little People in My Head.

Mr Benjamin said the theme was personal to him as he went through some problems when he was younger.

He added: "The pictures show the little people listening. It was great therapy drawing.

"I am overwhelmed by how many people have been to see my work. And I am even more stunned that people want these in their homes."

He is now looking for ideas to start working on his next collection in the coming months.

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