A Sandbach artist with a thirst for geography and wildlife is literally turning the world on its head for pupils at the school where he teaches.

The talented Paul Benbow from Arclid near Sandbach spends his spare time away from teaching geography at All Hallows' Catholic College in Macclesfield painting.

Visitors to the refurbished Lion and Swan in Congleton will see Paul's incredible work hanging on the walls.

Paul was commissioned by the Lion and Swan to do a series of paintings for the popular venue where he is now planning a live workshop exhibiting his talents.

And during lockdown, the 46 year old artist didn't sit still – children in a village in Ireland signed up to an artist workshop he put on You Tube.

"I did around 147 videos showing all sorts of things from how to draw Disney characters to other bits of artwork," said Paul.

Paul uses any spare time he has away from his role as lead practitioner of teaching and learning to do his artwork, often working on commissions.

And now he's bringing his love of geography and art together by getting pupils at the Macclesfield school to paint geographical features in his classroom.

"Making the classroom walls as colourful and engaging as possible helps bring the subject to life and bring an art space into the classroom.

"A rainforest wall and a flooded Amazon will help pupils connect with the subject. We teach about global change and part of the syllabus is travel writing."

Paul uses the dining room table in the lounge of his family's Arclid home to paint but would one day love to open a small gallery in Sandbach.

"I do burn the midnight oil sometimes painting if I have a commission to finish.

"I love teaching but I have always enjoyed art." Paul and his family enjoy walking at weekends and some of the views he uses as inspiration for his work.

And it's also his love of geography and the ever changing world which provide inspiration for his art.

Paul enjoys watching David Attenborough documentaries which also provide inspiration for some of his work.

"I've painted all sorts of things from toucans to chimps, apes and orangutans. I just love art."

Paul's work is across social media on Twitter @paulbenbowart, Instagram @paulbenbowartist, his website www.paulbenbowart.com, You Tube @paulbenbowart and Tik Tok @paulbenbowart.