THE River Thames has been seen from a different perspective through the eyes of a Sidcup painter.

Fascinated with the river and its nearby surroundings, Chris Francis, 55, of Shuttle Close, has captured glimpses of the river with its declining fishing and heavy industries, along with new developments.

The father of two, who studied art, said: "Industry fascinates me in any case. With the river as a big flowing plain in the foreground and the clean, sharp shape of the Dome, you have a good contrast to the iron crumbling structures beside it."

Since Summer 2000, the former public relations consultant has been lugging his easel along the river banks between Greenwich and Charlton.

Using acrylics and inspired by impressionism, Mr Francis has brought out different angles of the Thames.

Some of these angles have up until been overlooked until now.

Familiar landmarks like the Royal Naval College and Canary Wharf are used as backdrops to new insights into the river.

Between also painting life models and nudes, he plans to continue his trail along the river from Bexley to Lewisham, and eventually to Dartford.

His work has been exhibited in central London, Eltham, Greenwich and Bexley.

A solo exhibition will also be opening in Tunbridge Wells next month.