FOR the past ten years Altrincham illustrator James Taylor has worked for animation companies making models for children’s programmes such as Shaun the Sheep and Bob the Builder.

“I was just a small cog in a big machine,” he said.

Then, his wife, Angela’s job as a co-ordinator for TV’s The White Queen, meant moving to Bruges.

“It gave me a chance to give my dream a go,” he said.

His dream is to write and illustrate children’s books. He has already written Jack Haddock and the Crafty Crabs.

“I pictured Jack Haddock with his fishing boat above the water and gleeful fish beneath it which he couldn’t catch.

“He is an unlucky fisherman but with Limpet, his Jack Russell by his side, he solves mysteries and helps to rescue people.”

Stafford University students are to animate his brightly coloured illustrations to be shown on YouTube to make people brand aware even before publication.

His Jack Haddock postcards, posters and greetings cards bearing the name Polperro were snapped up by Cornish traders for a tidy sum.

His 2014 calendar, priced £5.99 from his website, received money from six sponsors which covered the costs of producing it.

“I am not interested in fame or money. All I want is to create a lasting children’s character that they can relate to.”

He would like to hear from primary schools who would enjoy his art workshops using Jack as a character.

Anyone interested in finding out more should visit jamestaylorillustrtation.com or email jamestaylorillustration @gmail.com.