A painting by an actor who turned to art after he found himself confined to a wheelchair has been chosen for a prestigious Christmas card.

Peter Tidey's work, depicting a toy shop where dolls come to life, is testimony to his achievement during a time when he had to suspend his career following a back injury.

His work is featured on this year's Royal Theatrical Fund Christmas card.

Although no longer in a wheelchair, Mr Tidey said painting gave him strength when he had to give up acting.

Mr Tidey, 65, said: "I am absolutely thrilled my painting was chosen for the card."

The nave art painting was inspired by his experience of the theatre.

As a child he appeared in the ballet La Boutique Fantasque - The Magic Toy Store.

Mr Tidey, of Montpelier Crescent, Hove, grew up in a Barnado's children's home.

He said: "I remember being struck by the whole magic of the ballet story - I was the little orphan boy who fell asleep in the doorway. He then dreams about the toys coming to life."

He was forced to give up acting for three years at the age of 25 and then again for two years during his 30s, because of back problems.

His success came thanks to a chance meeting with West End actress Barbara Whatley who entered his work into a competition.

Steyning-born Mr Tidey, who as a boy appeared in British comedy Mister Drake's Duck (1951), starring Douglas Fairbanks Jr., said: "I was absolutely shattered when I was confined to a wheelchair and could not act any more.

"I loved performing and the magic of the theatre. Painting gave me a chance to escape into another world. There is no doubt it got me through the hard times. It gave me a huge boost."

He has been invited to show his paintings, including A Midsummers Night's Dream, which is on sale for £3,000, in a exhibition called Actors and Their Art, organised by the Royal Theatrical Fund.

The show takes place at St Paul's Church, Bedford Street, Covent Garden, from today until December 4.

Signed limited edition prints of The Toy Shop will be on sale for £35.