A LEGENDARY English test cricketer-turned-painter is turning Greenock's Glenpark ground into a work of art.

Jack Russell MBE, who has paintings hanging in public and private collections all over the world, hit everyone for six after being invited to Greenock Cricket Club's home at the weekend,

During a rare visit north the retired wicketkeeper, who has been an artist for more than 30 years, captured the picturesque west end ground in all its glory and also greeted members of the club.

Glenpark is only the second cricket ground in Scotland to be captured by Russell and his painting of it will join a collection including the Lords and the homes of some of England's top county clubs.

Former Glenpark cricketer Ken Godsman, who commissioned Jack for the job, said: "It was great to have him here at Glenpark.

"He is a great artist but the only other ground he has painted in Scotland is Hamilton Crescent.

"One his paintings will take pride of place in the clubhouse.

"For our 150th anniversary we had Robert Kelsey paint Glenpark and I really wanted it from the opposite side of the ground as we get near to 160 years."

The construction firm boss, who has a lifelong connection to GCC and grew up next to Glenpark, was thrilled when Jack agreed to come along for Saturday's clash against Renfrewshire rivals Ferguslie.

Ken added: "It was great to have him and everyone enjoyed talking to him."

Cricketer turned artist Jack played for England from 1987, starring in 94 matches before retiring in 1998, and also enjoyed an illustrious spell with Gloucestershire.

He scoring his first test century against Australia in 1989 and in 1995 broke the world record for dismissals in a test match.

Jack received an MBE for his services to the sport.

During the long spells in between playing at matches he started to paint and now his artworks are in the Tower of London and the Bradman Museum in Australia.

His portraits have included the Duke of Edinburgh, who was a huge cricket fan, and celebrities such as Sir Norman Wisdom, Eric Sykes and Eric Clapton have all sat for him.

Jack Russell has also captured Sir Bobby Charlton, Dickie Bird and darts ace Phil Taylor.

But he is most famous for his cricket paintings, setting the scene and capturing the beauty of the sport, with Greenock's historic pitch now set to be the latest in his collection.