A PENSIONER who battled it out with other artists for the title of Art Idol fell at the final hurdle.

Leslie Boothroyd, of Birchencliffe, went brush to brush with 100 other artists when he took part in the North of England heat of a new ITV show.

A Brush with Fame re-creates the style of Pop Idol.

Hopefuls are given a series of celebrities to draw while art experts give their verdict and pick their favourites.

Leslie, 70, made it through day one of the contest at the Lowry Centre in Salford - and even to the final 10.

But he said he was not on form and missed out on the £1,000 prize and the chance to play for the national title.

"It was a great couple of days. I had a lot of fun," he said.

"But I knew I was not performing as well as I could. I thought I would do well because of my experience.

"I am very disappointed I did not win. But the girl who did was only 18, so I was pleased for her."

The artists did portraits of singer and television personality Toyah Willcox and Coronation Street actress Shobna Gulati.

The show is expected to be aired in the autumn, with the final being held before Christmas.