Salford-born artist and lifelong City fan Chris Sims has marked the opening of his new exhibition with a special gesture for Norah Mercer, the widow of his hero Joe.

Chris presented a superb portrait of the late, great Blues manager to Mike Summerbee, now the Club Ambassador, for the former City and England winger to present in turn to Mrs Mercer.

Chris, taken to his first match in 1948 by his father, said: "Joe Mercer created the most exciting City team of my lifetime. I call him the Messiah. He was a brave footballer, a great manager and a lovely man."

Mike, who starred in Mercer's 1968 title team, said: "I'm delighted to accept on behalf of Mrs Mercer. Joe was very much a father figure to me - I signed for City solely because of him."

Chris, who has been painting full time for ten years after taking early retirement, has captured City stars past and present in acrylics and pastel to provide a fascinating show, which will run at the Sportcity Visitor Centre next to the Stadium until December 4.

Talking of his 60-year association with City, the former chairman of Rossendale United recalls: "I met Frank Swift and it was like shaking hands with God ... he was the greatest goalkeeper on the planet. Roy Paul was my all-time favourite, while Mike had a brilliant sense of humour.

"I've been in a crowd in excess of 75,000 at Maine Road. Over the years I've seen the good times and the bad, but once you're hooked on City, that's it! Now let's see how our new stars and the young guns from the Academy fare."

Chris' work, influenced by Lowry and the Impressionists, also includes views of Manchester and Venice and is for sale. Enquiries about any aspect of the exhibition can be made through Ray Klein on 0161 773 7234 or Chris Sims on 01706 822653. Photo by GJH Photography.