Joe Whale, from Shrewsbury, has taken his place at Ellesmere College thanks to the support of fellow Salopian and comic artist The Walking Dead, Mr. Adlard, and is eager to take advantage of the opportunities available.

The precocious youngster was one of 11 students, including his brother Jesse, to join the school mid-term in the spring – and eventually had the opportunity to meet Mr. Adlard to discuss his art and the scholarship at the college in the Adlard Studio this week.

Joe, 11, was dubbed The Doodle Boy for always doodling in class and became a social media sensation when photos of his sketchbooks were posted on Instagram.

He now gives advice and tutorials online through his own dedicated social media platforms, has appeared on NBC’s American TV show Little Big Shots, and is releasing his first book this fall.

Mr Adlard, a former comic book winner, said: “I am delighted to see Joe win the scholarship – he is a prodigious talent and already recognized by many admirers who follow his story online. great opportunity for him and I wish him good luck in Ellesmere College.

“It’s exciting for me to be able to award a scholarship and I will watch Joe’s progress with interest. I’m especially impressed that he wants to start his college journey halfway through – it shows how eager he is to get started!

Applications for a sixth-year Charlie Adlard Art Scholarship are now being accepted for a place at the College in September.

Siobhan Phillips, Artistic Director at Ellesmere College, said: “We are delighted to see Joe win the Charlie Adlard Fellowship. It’s fully deserved and we look forward to helping Joe develop his artistic potential during his time in college – it’s a wonderful opportunity for him and I also want to thank Charlie for making this possible.

“Scholarships play a major role in the development of young talent, providing them with a path that in many cases might not otherwise be accessible to them. They open up a world of access and opportunity that are designed to advance the hopes, dreams and ambitions of incredible young talent.

“Ellesmere College has an excellent reputation not only for its academic achievement, but also for its arts and sports programs. So it was exciting to see 11 new students, including Joe and Jesse, take their places with us in the spring – eager to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities we offer as soon as possible rather than wait until September begins.