THE father of children's TV presenter Mark Speight today launched a foundation to promote artistic talent.

Oliver Speight said he wanted to create something positive from the horror of his son's death and was "deeply touched" by the 26,000 emails and tributes his family received from Mark's young fans following his suicide.

Mark was 42 when he took his own life in April, three months after finding his fiancée Natasha Collins dead in the bath after a cocaine binge.

Mr Speight described Mark as a "a Pied Piper leading children on a magical mystery tour of art". He was best known for presenting BBC show SMart.

"Mark had boundless energy, a love of art and a strong belief that art is a wonderful way for children to be able to express themselves," said Mr Speight.

"I just hope that in some way this project will be his legacy."

SP8 of the Art - The Mark Speight Foundation was launched at the 20th Century Theatre, Notting Hill, with an exhibition of paintings and drawings from several London primary schools.

Its aim is to help develop artistic talent in young people up to the age of 18, using portraiture, landscape, fashion design, architecture, graphic design, sculpture, graffiti and modern art.

Mr Speight, of Sutton Coldfield, said: "Art should be stimulating and exciting and open all sorts of opportunities. Mark always said that was one of its beauties - it allowed you to escape into another world. In today's society where knife crime is rife and violence is commonplace, it makes sense to try and find a new avenue for children to express feelings safely."

The foundation hopes to run an annual Young Artist of the Year competition. Mr Speight said: "Mark was always adamant art was a great way for them to develop their individuality. I hope he would be proud."

Miss Collins, 31, was found dead on 3 January in the bath of the flat the couple shared in St John's Wood. An inquest recorded a misadventure verdict. Mr Speight went missing on 7 April and was found hanged six days later in a building next to Paddington station.

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