ARTISTIC spirits are flying high in Highworth as the town prepares for an annual exhibition.

Highworth Artists Society is hosting the exhibition, which starts on Thursday.

The venue is the town's Community Rooms.

Renowned local artists, including society chairman Bill Bartrop and exhibition secretary Patric Bown, will be displaying their work.

Mr Bown said: "It is a brilliant opportunity for local artists to share their work with the community."

Specialising in atmospheric scenes, he will be exhibiting watercolours of boats in London and Venice. In addition to the original framed paintings hung, there will be unframed originals for sale.

Mr Bown added: "There is something for everyone.

"People think they can only afford prints, but these originals start at very reasonable prices."

He also said the society was pleased to welcome two new recruits to its ranks Phil King and Deborah Caddy.

Both are exhibiting at the show.

Mr Bown said: "We always welcome new talent and encourage everyone to appreciate art."

The exhibition, covering a wide range of media from watercolour to acrylic and pastels to oil, runs until July 27.

Further information is available on Swindon 822480.