AN AUSTISTIC man whose parents were told he would never talk, read, or write has hosted an exhibition of his art work.

In spite of his mental condition, and against the odds, Simon Donaghy's talent for art has flourished as he has grown older.

So much so he was able to display another host an exhibition of his paintings and sketches.

Mr Donaghy, 30, hosted the exhibition at Gallery 40 in Gloucester Road, Brighton, earlier this month after working in collaboration with local artist and tutor Jake Spicer since 2010.

It follows his first exhibition in 2012 where he sold all 27 pieces of work on show.

This time the display was entitled The Green House and it featured new paintings, drawings and prints which gave an insight into Mr Donaghy's world.

It included paintings of staff at Arden House, a group portrait of his family and imaginative work produced in his weekly adult education art classes at the Draw studio in New England Street.

Mr Donaghy launched the event with a speech and thanked Mr Spicer for all his continued help.

He said: "I had another good time. I was really happy and I sold lots of paintings."

Mr Donaghy lives in Arden House, Beaconsfield Villas, Brighton, where care company Regard offers support for adults with autism and learning disabilities.

The condition is present from early childhood and symptoms include having great difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people, and in using language.

A spokeswoman for Arden House said everyone was extremely proud of Mr Donaghy's achievements.

She said: "Simon’s art exhibition was a success. It was enjoyed by all who attended. Everyone commented on how talented an artist Simon is and this was reflected as lots of his art was bought. Simon’s family was beaming with pride."