Painter Vanetta Joffe is the first artist to exhibit at Malmesbury Town Hall under a new scheme to create a gallery on the ground floor.

In a venture designed to promote local talent, raise money and brighten up the hall, artists display work for three weeks in return for giving the council 20 per cent of any sales.

Town hall manager Ian Mace said the project is proving popular.

“We are completely booked up until the end of the year and we already have a couple of bookings for next year,” he said.

“People say how much they like it.

“It brightens up the place for staff and for café customers.”

Mrs Joffe, who lives in Swindon, is mainly interested in the human figure but also enjoys still life and landscapes.

To book space, call Mr Mace on (01666) 822143.