AN CANADIAN artist has donated a print to a library which is simply 'out of this world'.

Gwyn Vaughan Williams - now based in Thornhill, Ontario - was born and brought up in Prestatyn.

The former lecturer, who has had his work exhibited across the UK, North America and Europe, presented Rainbow Galaxy to Prestatyn Library and One Stop Shop.

The piece is part of a series of black and white drawings on canvas about space and systems.

Mr Williams said: "It was about giving back to the local community and showing the people of Prestatyn what I have done during my life. I still like to visit Prestatyn very much.”

Mr Williams, who lived with his parents Iorwerth and Elizabeth and his five siblings on Mostyn Avenue, attended Prestatyn Primary School and Rhyl Grammar School before going on to study art at Flintshire College, Kingston College of Art, Surrey and at the University of London.

He played for Rhyl FC when he was 17 before spending a pre-season with Sheffield United. He also represented Prestatyn at cricket, playing in the Lancashire League.

Receiving a British Council Award enabled him to travel to Germany and study at the Academy of Fine Art Munich and the Goethe Institute, also in Munich.

He became a lecturer at a number of faculties of art and design in the UK before relocating to Canada.

Cllr Richard Mainon, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for developing community infrastructure, said: “We’re delighted to receive this special work of art to display and hope it will inspire visitors of all ages to express their own creativity.

“Our libraries are resources for the local community and provide easily accessible information that supports people’s resilience and independence."