A CRADLEY artist is proving just what can be achieved through talent and determination.

After losing the use of her dominant right side following a stroke in 1996, Chris Hare began teaching herself to paint with her left hand.

She proved so successful that, for the past nine years, her paintings have been transformed into a successful range of charity Christmas cards.

Mrs Hare had never painted before she suffered the stroke, but after seven months recovering at Evesham hospital, she picked up a brush and discovered a hidden talent.

Painting with her left hand feels natural for Mrs Hare now, but it took a great deal of determination to get there.

She said: "It was hard. But if you try hard enough with something then you will do it."

Her amazing efforts have not gone unnoticed; she is currently working on a watercolour of Cradley Post Office, which will be turned into a postcard and sold in the shop.

In 2002, she beat more than 700 other entrants to win the art category in the Stroke Association's Life After Stroke Awards.

Over the years, the Christmas cards have raised more than £9,000 for charity.

Mrs Hare and husband Frank are hoping to sell 3,000 of this year's cards, one featuring the lychgate at Cradley Church and the other a Herefordshire winter scene.

All the money raised is going to Cradley Sports Club, which was formed last year by Mr Hare and is striving to become a centre for disabled sport.

Despite her success, Mrs Hare has never considered painting as anything more than a hobby.

"Chris is very modest but she could make a fortune if she wanted," said her husband.

"But we're both happy just being able to raise some money for a good cause."