PICTURED: Dartford engineer creates sculptures out of fruit bowls and ceiling fans

Dan Lane, 33, will have his industrial-themed pieces exhibited in the What if? Gallery in Dartford High Street later this year after being spotted on Facebook.

He has used his 15 years of engineering experience to make surreal sculptures out of bric-a-bric he picks up in fairs or things people donate.

The Fleet Road resident told News Shopper: "It’s not going be to everyone’s taste, when I showed my great aunt, she looked at me like I was a weirdo but I think I offer something different.

"As an engineer, I have an interest in how things come apart and I've always liked tinkering.

"The sculptures could be based on anything like old typewriters, Playstations, skull replicas and a lot of people started to give me parts.

"I thought there’s no way I’d use a fruit bowl which someone gave me - but I did.

"Recently I turned a ceiling fan into an angel’s halo. I would almost accept anything.

"When you start taking things apart, there’s almost something interesting there."

Fortunately Mr Lane's wife is also a fan of his art.

He said: "She is forgiving of my spending a lot of time in the garage - it has turned it into a workshop.

"Some pieces take two months.

"There is an element of beauty to them. It’s not for big hairy bikers into skulls, it's more mainstream."

He has been creating the sculptures for around three years and is delighted to be featuring in the What if? Gallery in June.

Anne Langouroux, who helps run the gallery, said: "I came across Dan on Facebook, his pieces are very different.

"We’re really excited about featuring his work in the gallery."

The exhibition runs between June 30 and July 7. Visit whatifgallery.co.uk or mechanica.uk.com