THE success of Devizes soldier Richard Salter in TV’s Big Painting Challenge is rubbing off on his 11-year-old daughter Libby who is following in his footsteps.

Sgt Salter, 35, was at a gallery on Saturday for a special exhibition of his work on the eve of the final and among the paintings sold was one by Libby called the Secret Of The Butterfly.

The following day viewers could see Sgt Salter in action for the last time in the final of the BBC show. He and three other finalists had to complete three challenges in Dartmouth, Devon.

He was right at home in the military surroundings of the Britannia Royal Naval College but the prize went to Scottish contestant Paul Bell.

Sgt Salter had the honour of being called a poet in paint by judge Dame Daphne Todd who said she enjoyed the story telling that he put in to all of his pictures.

Sgt Salter, who is based in Corsham with the Royal Signals, said: “I had an amazing time on the show. I was thrilled to get to the final but I was very pleased that Paul won. I think he deserved it.”

He has come in for some ribbing from his army mates as his arty dress, which included a leather jewellery, had caused some laughter.

But his appearance on TV has done wonders for his reputation among art lovers. Jason Jennings-Bramly who owns Gallery 21 in Salisbury said: “Richard’s work had already sold well before the show but now it has been seen by a wider audience it is even more popular.

“We sold a number of his works on Saturday and we had lots of people turning up to meet him. It was lovely that one of his daughter’s paintings was also bought as well. She has the makings of a talented artist.”

Libby is the youngest of three children of Sgt Salter and his wife Vicky. They also have Evan, 13, and Corrie, 17, who has followed Sgt Salter into the army.