A portrait of Sir Sean Connery painted just before he secured his seminal role as James Bond is on display in an exhibition in Edinburgh.

The picture, which gives a side-on view of the 007 star, was painted in 1952 by Al Fairweather, a jazz musician and student at Edinburgh College of Art.

It shows Sir Sean – who was in peak physical condition at the time - wearing only a pair of skimpy shorts.

The actor, who is now 77, used to pose as a life model before he was propelled into the big time.

He also won third place in the Mr Universe competition at the start of his career.

The portrait has been in the possession of the school of drawing and painting for more than 50 years, but is rarely displayed.

The City Art Centre exhibition, entitled Ten Decades, will run from October 27 to January 19 before transferring to The Fleming Gallery in London.