Bradford is to be the starting point of a major exhibition of inspirational religious paintings.

Abstract work by prolific artist Paul Hobbs will go on public display at Bradford Cathedral on Friday.

The series of colourful creations entitled Three in One will be on show until the end of June, before going on a national tour of cathedrals.

Mr Hobbs said he hoped visitors to the exhibition in Peace Chapel would enjoy his vibrant images and use them to reflect on social issues, such as poverty, old age and family relationships.

"My work considers contemporary social issues in the light of Biblical values," he said.

"The chapel is a very fitting setting and the stained glass windows complement the images as well as bringing in lots of light to the chapel.

"It's a quiet place to come and sit a reflect, and art can help people to understand their lives, and the lives of others."

Mr Hobbs, 40, who also exhibits at art centres, festivals, galleries and schools, was commissioned in 2002 by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, to create a three by two metre painting for Lambeth Palace.

He said after he completed the Three in One work in 2001 he was struck by the visual link between the images and the September 11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York.

A series of seven red paintings focuses on different parts of Christ's body, and the huge Three in One work is also broken down into various sections.

These include a fragmented image of the crucifixion with parts of Christ's body in pieces around the cross.

"It made me think that in all the mess of the tragedy, this picture is a timely reminder that by his death, Jesus Christ both identifies suffering and offers forgiveness for the very sin that causes it," he said.

Three in One is based on the Holy Trinity - God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Each aspect is visually explored in the large mural-style work.

It features Adam and Eve and the birth of the world with flowing waves and birds flying in the sky.

The fluid image moves on to the crucifixion and blood flows from this to the Holy Spirit, depicted as flags blowing in the wind.

Mr Hobbs, of Gloucester, has also taught art in schools and had several solo exhibitions across the country.