MATT Roby has a twinkle in his eye as he denies being an arty-farty person.

The 27-year-old from Wigan may have his feet firmly on the ground, but he is certainly very arty as his awe-inspiring exhibition in Warrington's Pyramid proves.

Matt makes sculptures from all sorts of bits and bobs salvaged from the innards of household machinery. The characters seem to have a life of their own - and are in fact the stars of short stories Matt writes.

Originally trained in illustration at The University of Central Lancashire, Matt won a two-year placement as artist in residence in Wigan's Drumcroon art gallery where he was able to channel his energy and ideas.

He describes this time as invaluable because it gave him the space and money to concentrate on being a professional artist.

It also exposed him to children's criticism - adults may be the ones who buy his work but, Matt says, children are his most important critics because they are brutally honest.

The exhibition in Warrington's Pyramid inadvertently charts Matt's development as an artist.

Early pieces, such as his sloth, show his keen interest in capturing the essence of an animal's character. His research includes visits to zoos to observe the creatures at close quarters.

His later works have more human qualities and edge towards the fantastical creatures of fairy stories, although tales with a dark undercurrent reminiscent of Roald Dahl.

Matt has held exhibitions all over the north west and has won prestigious commissions, including creating a huge dragon for Runcorn's new arts centre The Brindley.

Although he would like to exhibit in London because, he admits, making it in the capital is necessary for artists, his roots are firmly in the north and he has no plans to move.

Given the chance to exhibit anywhere in the world Matt cites Sydney's Bondi Beach as his ideal place..

The exhibition runs at Pyramid until April 20.