AN AWARD-WINNING cartoon artist hopes his visit to Carlisle will inspire the next generation to succeed.

Luke McGarry is best known for his witty approach to cartoon animation, possessing a talent that has seen him displaying his wares across the world.

His Sad Chewie cartoon series shot to internet stardom in 2016, with his humorous interpretation of how Star Wars character Chewbacca would react to the death of his life-long friend Han Solo, in the aftermath the The Force Awakens.

Mr McGarry brought his keen eye for cartoons to the University of Cumbria's Brampton Road campus on Thursday, demonstrating and talking to students of the university.

He spoke with students from The Institute of the Arts, as well as performed live demonstrations of his talents.

Laura Tickner, 21, of Harraby, said: "It was very exciting, it was quite inspiring to see his dad's presence on his work too as his dad was an old cartoonist.

"He has learnt a lot from that. He has has shown us how to how to share our work and how we can reach businesses.

"It was interesting to see how he work has changed from posters, to animations, to his TV shows.

"He is very inspiring."

The views of Laura were echoed by her classmate Hannah Breese, 21, of Cockermouth.

Hannah said: "It is nice to see somebody working their way up to that to that, it shows it is actually possible.

"He told us to take opportunities when they come."

Mr MrGarry commented: "It's been great, I was looking at some of their work earlier, their caricatures, everyone's work is really interesting, but of a very high standard.

"The kids are nice and all very talented."

Can the students achieve what he has?

"If I can then they definitely can, again the quality of work here is incredible.

"I think it's just about pushing ahead, you just have to go for it, there's no secret tricks to it.

"If I can do it, anybody can do it."

Senior lecturer for the Institute of the Arts, Nick Dodds, said: "He is a tremendous example of someone who has a go in different mediums, he's been a cartoonist, comic strip artist, animator and a pop star.

"He lives in LA so it is fantastic to have someone from a totally different of circumstances. Obviously living in LA is very different to living in Carlisle."