IT IS an art group that has blossomed over the years and later this summer hopes to show its biggest ever collection of paintings in Huddersfield.

Members of the PALS (Practice Activity Leisure Scheme) Art Group are putting the final touches to a variety of artwork which will be displayed at Huddersfield Library’s Light Reading Room from August 5-26.

The group hopes to put on a show of around a hundred paintings to create a larger than usual exhibition this summer.

The art group was started over six years ago by two members of Kirklees PALS, a council-run programme designed to improve people's health and well-being through regular physical activity.

Drawing and painting is another way in which to improve people’s well-being.

“Many of the people who come to the group had never drawn or painted before – and they had certainly never exhibited,” said Tom King who along with fellow artist Barry Rigate, runs the group and tutors the members.

The art group meets on Mondays, 10.15am-12.15pm, on the ground floor of the library on Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield.

But, said Barry, once people get into it, they get hooked and do several more hours at home. The group is steadily growing in numbers and is open to anyone, not just people involved in the PALS programme.

New members, of all standards, are always welcome. There is no charge to take part. Members provide their own materials although newcomers will be loaned materials to begin with.

For further information contact Tom King on 01924 494670.