Jack Bishop’s long and illustrious life has been immortalised in a painting.

The 87-year-old, best known locally for being a boxing promoter and trainer, has been the subject of a portrait by artist Ingrid Wheeler, who works at the Arches Studios next to Bishop’s Southampton boxing gym.

The huge portrait has an image of Bishop as well as scenes from his life, not only in boxing but also his glittering military career having served his country for many years in the armed forces.

Bishop was initially a little confused by Wheeler’s request, but is happy with the results.

He said: “I was outside the gym after a training session when I was approached by a very nice lady who explained that she was an artist who worked right by my gym and asked if she could do a portrait of me.

“My first thought was that it was a joke, but I soon realised it wasn’t and thought I’d go along with it.

“She took a lot of photographs of me to work from and I told her about my life and gave her pictures of my army career and boxing career and showed her the awards I’ve won.

“It was exhibited at the studio and I have to say it really is very good.”

Wheeler says the project was different to what she is used to.

Normally she works on commissions, often painting dogs or children on plain backgrounds and working on wood.

For Bishop’s portrait she worked on canvas with a ring in each corner to symbolise the boxing ring.

She explained: “I’ve had a lovely time getting to know Jack because he’s such a wonderful man.

“Normally I don’t speak to the people I paint more than once or twice but we have got to know each other very well and have really opened up to each other. He’s become like a father figure to me.

“We spoke a lot about his time in the military and some of the things that happened to him during the war.

“I normally work in a contemporary style but I wanted the painting to have a more earthy feel, to have almost a knocked about looked, some blood and guts to it.

“But also to show what a true gentleman he is.

“It’s more a celebration of his achievements in life than his physical looks.

“I have to say it’s been an absolute pleasure and privilege working with Jack and I feel like I have made a very good friend.”

The painting was exhibited at the Arches Studios as part of a project on the cattle market area of Southampton and has now been given to Bishop to keep.