ARTISTS were encouraged to think big by taking part in the Big Paint Party, part of the third annual Think Art Festival.

A dozen Swindon artists were given the use of a derelict office building in Islington Street to give them space to be creative.

Organiser Rosa Matheson, director of arts charity Swindon Arts, said: "Very few artists in the town have access to large studios, so we thought this would be a good chance for them to have a go at painting on a large scale while listening to a bit of music and having a good time.

"It is for those people who have always wanted to paint huge pictures like Rolf Harris, but rarely get the chance."

The Think Art Festival, which has been sponsored by Nationwide and Westfield Shoppingtowns, is running until the end of the month.

As part of the festival the organisers are running a competition for a piece of art based around the theme Work and Play.

Submitted pieces will be displayed in the Brunel Centre Arcade.