A DUSTCART driver is poised to leave the days of clearing Colchester’s streets behind him – to become a full-time artist.

Jon Keeble’s debut exhibition will go on show at Colchester’s Kings Arms pub in Crouch Street on Tuesday.

It all started after the 30-yearold split up with his girlfriend, prompting a fresh wave of artistic creativity.

Jon, who works for Colchester Council, said: “I have been driving a dustcart four days a week, butIam close to being able to give that up, such has been the growth in the sale of his art.

He said: “It has been a surprise how well it has gone.”

Jon, of Wellesley Road, Colchester, has been a dustcart driver for three years, but last year his talent was spotted by people visiting his Facebook page.

“Two said they would like to buy two drawings from me for a large sum of money and that kicked it off.”

Jon, who specialises in portraits, was asked to draw Winston Churchill and Hollywood actor Johnny Depp.

He said it was his uncle who encouraged him to take his talent more seriously.

Then, during a visit to the Kings Arms pub, he noticed it was selling a limited edition Winston Churchill-themed ale and asked the manager if he could create a portrait of the former British Prime Minister to hang on the wall.

Jon added: “He does not have the easiest face to draw so it took me about nine hours. Others will only take three to four hours.”

Those visiting the pub on Tuesday will be able to see Jon’s portraits of a range of figures including Kurt Cobain, Jack Nicholson, Seasick Steve, Russell Crowe, George Best and Sean Connery in his James Bond guise.

More than 20 illustrations will be on show from 7pm onwards, with prints of the originals available to buy on the night.

But Jon admitted it is tiring taking to his pencil-drawn portraits after getting up for work at 5am.

In November, Jon plans to leave his job to focus on his art.

Siobhan Walters, pub manager at the Kings Arms, said: “This is a real community pub and we wanted to put something on that would excite people during the holiday season.

“Jon’s work is outstanding and we are thrilled to be able to show off the best of his work with some famous faces adorning our walls for the night.”

Jon added: “It is fantastic. I have got lots of feedback from my work. Art is usually in halls or churches.

“At least here you can have a bit of a drink and walk around and enjoy yourselves."

Customers interested in buying prints of Keeble’s work can contact him via his website jpkpencilworks.com.