Diddy doggy Derek helps launch trust

These are the words of Wolverhampton's very own micro-sculputor, Willard Wigan as he unveiled his latest artwork to launch his new charitable trust.

His famous pieces, which are a fraction of a millimetre in size and sit inside the eye of a needle or on a pinhead, have been exhibited all over the world and bought by celebrities including Sir Elton John.

Now, his latest creation, Derek the Dog - which he painstakingly constructed out of a grain of sand - has been unveiled as the figurehead of the new Willard Wigan Trust.

The 57 year old, who grew up in Wednesfield, is raising funds for dog organisations via the trust - and he hopes his artwork will inspire some much-needed help for man's best friend.

He said: "This has been a really important work for me as I have been looking for an opportunity to raise money for dogs in need for a long time.

"As someone who loves animals and dogs in particular, it made sense to launch my own charity, using my skills and profile as an artist to raise funds and awareness for local dogs homes and charities that struggle to run on donations alone.

"I'm hoping the general public will help me raise some much-needed funds for those incredible animals - it will make a massive difference.

"Dogs are your best friends and are very intelligent. They help us out in so many ways in society, such as with the disabled and the police."

Derek - modelled on the Bichon Frise breed - was carved from a single grain of sand which took Willard more than five weeks to sculpt.

He added: "Derek may be small but he can help me get the message out there. He's the smallest dog in history, with the loudest bark in the world."

One of the first organisations to benefit from the trust is the Wolverhampton branch of the Birmingham Dogs Home, Sunnyside Kennels.

The centre opened in 2002 and takes in hundreds of stray dogs each year, with new homes found for most of them within three months.

Last week, Willard visited the branch in Dark Lane, Coven, where he met up with staff members and a group of excitable canines.

Sunnyside assistant manager, Tina Leedham, said: "It's absolutely fabulous the work Willard is doing and we're really grateful.

"The donations go to helping the dogs out which is what it's all about. We're an independent organisation who rely solely on donations."

Jilly Rivers, fundraising co-ordinator at the home, added: "We're over the moon to be helped by Willard's campaign. We never turn a stray dog down and we're relying even more on donations as veterinary bills are rising and more dogs are coming through."

To find out more about Derek, visit www.antidoteart.com/collections/willard-wigan.

To find out more about Birmingham Dogs Home, visit www.birminghamdogshome.org.uk.

For commissions from Willard Wigan, contact Andy Seger on 07966263810.