A Winchester artist has credited his work for helping him fight mental illness.

Andrew McCarthy, 44, has battled depression for years but is now recovering after rediscovering his talent for painting.

He is now showcasing his work an art exhibition at the Hyde Tavern in Hyde Street.

Mr McCarthy, of Staple Gardens, has been working on his art with help from the Solent Mind mental health service in Priory Gardens, who have helped mentor him for the past two years.

He said: “I find painting very therapeutic and relaxing. It has given me the confidence to exhibit here at the Hyde Tavern and hopefully on to other places as well. I feel motivated again.”

Mr McCarthy has been working closely with Solent Mind project worker Susan Hitching, who has been mentoring him in his art.

He added: “I think Solent Mind a valuable service and there are a lot of people who can fall by the wayside and if they do not have a service like this they could end up back in hospital.”

Steve Sammut, project manager at Solent Mind, said: “The way we work is looking at a person’s individual needs. If a person has an interest we will encourage that in a mentoring way as part of their recovery.”

Mr McCarthy has a long history with scenic painting, having studied at Stoke-on-Trent College of Art and Central School of Speech and Drama in London, before working as a painter until his depression forced him to quit.

His work includes places around Winchester he has visited and taken inspiration from, including the cathedral, Hillier Gardens and Mottisfont Abbey.

The exhibition started on Monday, July 25 and will continue at the pub for a month.