A Llanidloes artist has paid tribute to the incredible work of the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic by painting portraits of local key workers.

Jeremy Andrews, a portrait painter, has now had his work featured in a published book called Portraits for NHS Heroes which raises money for NHS Charities Together.

Llanidloes nurse Liz was Jeremy's first portrait to "thank all co workers, key workers and NHS staff for the incredible work they are doing".

She gives care to patients in their home and is also a nurse at Penrallt day hospital. Liz was nominated by Jeremy's friend and fellow Llanidloes artist Osian Gwent.

Like many people working in the creative industries, Mr Andrews' work had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

He said: "I, like many other people have had to take on work to pay for the bills etc due to COVID. I had some very nice commissions and sales lined up for 2020-2021 but they have been postponed until things improve. I currently work part time for a local tree surgeon, JBJ Tree services and I must say that physical, outdoor work makes a pleasant change from constant studio work. I get to see some lovely parts of Wales and the team that I work with are very understanding and supporting of my art.

"So, I have lived in Llanidloes for four years and intend on making Wales my home. It is a beautiful country with amazing, friendly people and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

"I took part in the Portraits for NHS Heroes, started by Tom Croft to thank all NHS staff and key workers for the incredibly difficult and challenging work that they are doing. It is important that we show support for the NHS as it is a vital part of our communities and we have all had to rely on it at some stage in our lives.

"My second portrait is of Gareth Davey, a clinical fellow of intensive care medicine at St. George’s University Hospital on the cardiothoracic intensive care unit and was nominated by his friend Simon.

"Portraits for NHS Heroes publication is a wonderful hard back copy showing just a few of the other amazing artists who have also contributed to this amazing scheme. All proceeds from sales go to the NHS."