A STROKE victim has proven he is still as creative as ever by holding an exhibition at Redditch Library.

George Wright, 84, from Headless Cross had a stroke in 1999 and after a life of being a very creative person, found it difficult to adjust to his new lifestyle.

"Up until my stroke, I was quite skilled with painting, photography, claywork and woodwork. You name it, I had a go.

"The stroke put a stop to all that for a while and left me feeling depressed and useless but life goes on and you have to make an effort," he said.

"I found that I could still cross stitch. It was very hard to begin with - I couldn't feel the needle in my fingers and couldn't even thread it. It did get easier over time though."

Mr Wright said he hoped the exhibition, half of which was done before his stroke and the other half afterwards, will show how such an attack needn't prevent people from continuing with a hobby.

"A stroke can knock your confidence. Being able to take an interest in a hobby gives you a boost, a sense of achievement," he added.

Mr Wright's daughter, Jayne, said she was very proud of her dad. "To see the display gives inspiration to other stroke victims and shows them what they can do if they put their mind to it."

He advised anyone who is in a similar position to join a Stroke Association group to get help and advice on what they are going through.

Community support co-ordinator Sandra Langford can be contacted at the Stroke Association on 488133.

The exhibition will run until mid-Feburary.