A TALENTED Latchford businessman has had his work recognised by Ed Sheeran.

Karl Chester, an artist, customised a pair of trainers for a customer as a wedding present to his wife.

The customer wanted to incorporate their wedding colour theme and sentimental dates alongside a picture of Ed Sheeran on the shoes.

So Karl, owner of Starline Customs, set to work.

“We drove to him and dropped them off personally,” said Karl.

“Always great to see their reactions.”

After creating the shoes, Karl took to social media to share his work and tagged Ed Sheeran.

And to his surprise, the popstar shared with design with his 17 million followers on Twitter and said: “Kicks are on fire. Incredible art by @Starlinecustoms!”

Karl added: “We never expect the celebrities to see them, but I have high hopes that my work will find its way before their eyes.

“We all use the same phones and they scroll the internet just like us, often they probably do see the artwork of them but only when they interact or share the work do we realise they’ve been acknowledged.

“When they stop to compliment your work and are impressed you know you’re doing something right.”

Karl, who works from the back room in his Latchford home, has designed shoes for various celebrities ranging from Manchester United star Paul Pogba, to rapper Bugzy Malone, and professional tennis player Elina Svitolina.

He first began in the trade ‘by chance’ on the way back from London on the train.

While on the train, Karl’s partner Katie suggested drawing on a blank pair of canvas shoes as he was bored – so he started drawing Kermit the Frog.

Warrington Guardian: Starline CustomsStarline Customs (Image: Starline Customs)

His art quickly grabbed the attention of passengers on the carriage and he uploaded it to his art page where enquiries ‘flew in’.

Karl then found Angelus acrylic shoe paint and began to paint goods such as Nike shoes, leather bags, and products, and wedding heels.

The brand Angelus then also shared Karl’s work.

“There was no looking back after that,” Karl said.

Karl has exciting plans for the future of Starline Customs which are yet to be announced.

You can find him on social media by searching: @starlinecustoms