A HUDDERSFIELD artist has swapped making Batman suits for casting babies' feet with the launch of his new business venture.

Peter Norcliffe has turned his back on the glitz of London's film and theatre scene to return to his Yorkshire roots.

The 28-year-old prop maker - who trained at Dewsbury Art College - has spent the last year creating a new batsuit for the Batman Begins movie, to be released next month.

The talented artist also made models and produced special effects for the last two Harry Potter films.

And he has even rubbed shoulders with top celebrities, including Victoria Beckham, whose body armour he made for a music video.

Now Peter has decided to transfer his skills to creating keepsakes for parents - making casts of babies' hands and feet.

Peter, who lives at Laund Road, Salendine Nook, said: "It is a new challenge for me and I don't think there are many companies doing it around here.

"I have worked doing full body casts of actors before - so it is something I'm used to.

"I just wanted a break from it all and my girlfriend lives up here. Hopefully it will be quite popular."

The moulds are created using the same material used by dentists to cast teeth.

They are then set in bronze, resin or a clear material and either framed or put on a stand.

Peter, who grew up in Halifax, said: "I did my niece at six months old and again recently when she was three.

"I got a lot of interest from family and friends after that, all saying I should set up in business."

He has now launched his business, Family Cast, on the internet.

Casts start from around £130, depending on materials used.

For further details visit www.familycast.co.uk