Martin has his first works on show in an art exhibition and enjoyed his first sales from such a display. Four of his unique paintings, created on old roof slates, can be seen in the window of the Cloudhopper Gallery. “I’ve sold three pieces in a week. It’s very encouraging that people like what I do and it’s marvellous to see my work in the window.” Martin, 46, of Havelock Road, spent six months on the dole earlier this year after his previous job as a carpenter was badly hit by the recession. He always enjoyed painting at school but instead decided to pursue a career in joinery. But his time signing on saw him enter the government’s Enterprise Allowance scheme to help him to achieve a change in his life and rekindle his enthusiasm for art. For the full story see the Bognor Regis Observer out tomorrow (Thursday, November 14)