FIRST there was Superman, then there was Spiderman and now Bolton has got Museum man.

Real life Bolton man Ibrahim Kala has become a comic book character.

But he will not be saving the planet from imminent disaster or fighting off dastardly villains.

Instead he has been drawn as himself in a new publication, What in the World, aimed at getting young people interested in North-west museum exhibitions.

Mr Kala, aged 33, said: "I thought it was a great idea. I think it vitally important to make young people aware of the brilliant facilities that we have in Bolton and throughout the North-west."

He added: "If I can help to spread the message to people about the brilliant resources and facilities we have on offer, then I am delighted to do that."

The story tells how his work as a racial equality officer led him to develop an exhibition at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery about the history of the police.

Mr Kala was actually doing this when he was approached by the internationally acclaimed artists Grennan and Sperandio to do the cartoon characterisation.

The comic offers black and Asian people a chance to tell about their experiences of Greater Manchester's culture.

Mr Kala said: "Hopefully this will show members of the ethnic minority communities that museums and galleries have a great deal to offer them."

About 50,000 copies of the magazine have been printed and they will now be distributed free of charge via community and educational groups throughout the region.

Jennifer Shaw, keeper of art at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery, has been involved in the project since it began.

She said: "I find it fascinating to discover how different people respond to these collections and hope the book will inspire people to visit somewhere new."

The magazine was officially launched at the People's History Museum in Manchester.