Tony Hart forced to quit art

Tony Hart has been forced to give up art after two strokes left him unable to draw.

The 83-year-old TV artist told The Times that he spends most of his time confined to a chair at his home in Surrey.

He said: "It has been my lifetime passion, but I endeavour to stay cheerful as there is nothing to be done about my condition."

He continued: "My whole life has changed since my strokes. After breakfast I would adjourn to my studio, built in my garden, until 4pm when I would change my shoes and set forth on a four-mile Gurkha-pace-jog through the Surrey hills.

"Today my studio lies abandoned and I spend most of my day confined to my chair."

Hart's 50-year TV career includes presenting shows Vision On, Take Heart and Hart Beat.

"My aged heart is warmed by the lovely letters and emails I receive, especially when they tell me that my work on television inspired the writers to become artists," he said.