An exhibition of work by micro sculptor Willard Wigan will go on display at the Library of Birmingham later this month.

The Birmingham artist, who was awarded an MBE in 2007, creates work which can only be viewed through a microscope because it is so small.

Each piece is hand made with some as small as 0.005 mm and usually housed in the eye of a needle.

Mr Wigan's work is exhibited throughout the world and famous owners include Prince Charles, Sir Elton John and Simon Cowell.

He says he enters a meditative state to work to reduce hand tremors and sculpt between pulse beats.

"As a child, I escaped into a fantasy world. Now local children have the Library of Birmingham on their doorstep, with free access to millions of stories to fuel their imaginations," he said.

"Literacy and learning initiatives can support, encourage, challenge and enhance them, whatever their abilities.

"These initiatives are even more important in Birmingham where literacy levels are amongst the lowest in the country.

"I became a patron of the Library of Birmingham Trust so that, whatever a child’s background or ability, there will be a chance for them to be original and creative, to make their mark on the world."

The exhibition runs from January 11 to 25 and tickets cost up to £5 with proceeds going to support Library of Birmingham Trust programmes and initiatives.