THE Warrington artist behind Bob the Builder is holding his first exhibition in the town.

As well as being a rare chance to snap up paintings by this cutting edge illustrator, who also worked on Oscar winning Wallace and Gromit, it is an opportunity to see first class artwork in real life.

Curtis Jobling, aged 33, formerly lived on Cunningham Close, Great Sankey, where his parents Kath and Mel still live.

After a HND in illustration from Cleveland College of Art and Design, Mr Jobling who now lives in a Yorkshire village, launched his career.

He said: "I always wanted to tell stories through my artwork but I thought doing it for a living was a bit of a pipe dream. I love my job, it's a hobby as well as my career."

Eight years on and Mr Jobling still works on the production side of Bob the Builder and plans to stay until Bob 'hangs up his little yellow hat'.

He has also published four children's books, with the fifth one due in February 2006, and admits his cartoon characters are spin-offs from his story ideas.

Although this is Mr Jobling's first exhibition in Warrington, he still visits the town frequently, enjoys watching Warrington Wolves play and is full of praise for the Pyramid arts centre.

The Pyramid is equally pleased to be showcasing work of this international star.

A spokesman said: "Curtis spent his formative years in Warrington, where he nurtured his interest in animation and we feel proud that he has returned to his spiritual home to present his most recent work.

"We hope it will inspire future generations who come and visit the exhibition at Pyramid."