LIFE is going well for Alresford artist Nic Joly. He has been receiving national attention for his unique artwork of miniature sculptures with tiny figures.

There has been the national newspaper and TV coverage, exhibitions in America and Europe and lucrative corporate work.

But nothing compares with the glory of appearing on children’s TV programme Blue Peter .

Nic said: “When I was growing up, like so many of us, the two things you wanted were either a Jim'll Fix It medal, or a Blue Peter badge. After 30 years of waiting, I got a call asking if I wanted to be on the show; of course my answer was yes.

“My sons, Theo and Silas, and I were so thrilled, and at last I have the honour of getting my badge, as do my two boys!”

Presenter Barney Harwood and a crew came down to the Joly studio, off West Street, to record a piece shown last week.

Nic added: “The day of filming was great.  Barney is such a nice guy and we had a huge amount of fun making a sculpture together, of the presenters Barney and Helen Skelton, and of course Barney the dog. The sculpture uses a real Blue Peter badge and we called the sculpture 'Here is one we made earlier' of course.  It will be in their studio permanently.”