THE work of one of Britain’s most popular cartoonist is about to be showcased by the National Trust.

Nunnington Hall near Helmsley is to stage an exhibition of works by the award-winning Matt Pritchett from September 13 to November 2.

Matt Pritchett was born in 1964 and following his training in graphics at St Martin's School of Art in London he took a job as a waiter in a pizzeria, drawing cartoons in his spare time. His first cartoons were published in the New Statesman and have also been seen in Punch and the Spectator.

He was chosen as the pocket cartoonist at the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph in 1988 and he continues to produce his daily jokes for them, with nearly 3,000 in total.

His awards include the Cartoon Art Trust Pocket Cartoonist of the year three times and the UK Press Gazette's Cartoonist of the Year in 1996 and 1998. His significant contribution to British journalism was recognised in 2002 when he was awarded an MBE.

Nunnington Hall’s general manager Mollie Dodd said: “We’re really looking forward to this exhibition as this is something slightly different to anything we’ve had before and we think visitors will love it."

A preview night is being held on September 12 when the special guest will be the cartoonist himself. The event is from 6pm to 8pm with a question-and-answer session at 7pm. Places are free but limited so anyone interested should contact Linzi Caton on 01439-798020