A NEW picture at The White Bear in Middlewich has been raising plenty of smiles.

Ian Hill-Smith, of Pepper Street, was commissioned by landlord Paul Cochran to create a caricature of some of the Wheelock Street pub’s characters.

The 42-year-old currently balances his time between helping children with autism and his artwork.

Ian first realised he had a knack for caricatures when he asked to create a portrait for his uncle Neil’s 60th birthday, nearly a decade ago.

He said: “Paul at the White Bear saw one I’d done as a birthday gift for another regular and asked me to do something for the pub,”

“What I enjoy about it on a personal level is the satisfaction of capturing someone’s character with a pen and a bit of paper.

“But the biggest buzz, and the point at which I know I’ve got it right, is when the recipient laughs at the picture.

“Knowing that someone will walk past something I’ve created and chuckle to themselves on a regular basis is very pleasing.”

To view more of Ian’s work, visit idillustrator. blogspot.co.uk