A DOUBLE bill of solo art exhibitions is on display at Kidderminster Library this month, including a first by autistic model maker, Nigel Williams.

He has Asperger Syndrome and his artistic talent was discovered when staff on Mencap's Pathway Service - a scheme which helps people with learning disabilities to get employment - found some of his old drawings.

Mr Williams was encouraged to take up his drawing and architectural model making again and taken to an exhibition at Kidderminster Library, where he was introduced to events organiser, Liz Perks, who offered him the chance to exhibit.

He said of the exhibition, which runs until Saturday, January 29: "This is the first I have done and it has been really exciting to have the chance to do it."

His Mencap job trainer, Mike Stevenson, added it was a fantastic opportunity.

"It shows that if people with a learning disability are given the right opportunity, they can be as successful and talented as anyone else," he said.

Worcester artist, Craig Letourneau, who is supporting Mr Williams, said he hoped the exhibition would inspire the start of a career in illustration.

He added his work was "very conceptual and crossed geometric with fantasy art".

The other solo exhibition currently on display at the library is by Kidderminster artist, Ray Wakefield.

Running until Saturday, February 5 is a collection of original work, which also includes the artist's takes on masters such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

Mr Wakefield told the Shuttle/Times & News he had started painting around 10 to 12 years ago.

"Over about the last three years I started to get more into it and since I retired a year ago last September I've done a lot of it," he said.

"This is my first solo art exhibition so I'm quite excited about it."

The 66-year-old retired carpet worker, of St John's Avenue, Kidderminster, added: "My art goes right across the board, from classical fine art to impressionism."

More information on both exhibitions can be obtained by calling the library on 01562 824500.