�A Brentwood art lover who was left unable to speak or use the right side of his body after suffering a stroke 15 years ago, has taught himself to paint again – and is now exhibiting his work.

David Lamb, 67, worked as a driver and enjoyed photography and drawing as a hobby when he suffered the stroke in 1995.

Following a prolonged stay in several hospitals, he learnt how to write with his left hand after having several bouts of therapy.

Survivor

One of the places he learned to paint was during one-on-one therapy at the Stroke and Head Injuries Group at the Adult Community Centre, Bishops Hill, Rayleigh Road.

David’s wife Avril, who he met at a youth club at the old Headley Water School, spoke to the Recorder this week.

She said: “It’s been quite tough for him, but he’s a survivor. To me he’s still the same person he always was, but maybe he didn’t lose his artistic side in the stroke.”

After the painstaking process of learning to paint again, he has managed to produce more than 300 different pictures, paintings and drawings.

He recovered some speech too, but still finds communicating difficult.

The public now have the chance to see his collection at Brentwood Library, New Road, until the end of the month.

Avril, of Crown Street, said: “I’m so proud of him. I’m used to watching him work now, but it all just shows what is achievable after a stroke.

“When it happened nobody knew how or if he’d come through it, we didn’t know how he would be. Friends who have seen it have been really impressed.”

Their daughter-in-law Lauren Lamb added: “Dave is proof that life goes on after a stroke.

“Thank you to Brentwood Library for giving him this opportunity.”