A MELTHAM man has used his artistic talents to create a calendar featuring village scenes.

John Mitchell, of Sycamore Avenue, has painted watercolour scenes of Meltham - including the town hall and cricket club - for the 2005 calendar.

It is the first time his work has been featured on a calendar, although it has appeared for the past two years on Christmas cards, sold in packs of five for £1.75 and 10 for £3.50.

All proceeds from Christmas card sales and the calendars, which cost £5, will go towards St Bartholomew's Parish Church at Meltham, of which Mr Mitchell is a member.

He is also its fundraising chairman.

He said: "This is our first venture with a calendar and they are selling well."

Mr Mitchell, a retired environmental health officer with Calderdale Council, has always had an interest in art.

Retirement gave him the opportunity to pursue it. Although he went to a few classes, he is largely self- taught.

He has now been painting for about 10 years and is a member of Colne Valley Art Society.

Mr Mitchell's original watercolours - on which the cards and calendar are based - are on display at Meltham Library from Wednesday, September 1, until Saturday, September 25.

They are also available to buy.

To buy cards or calendars, visit the Bookworm in Market Place, Durker Roods Hotel on Bishops Way, or Meltham Library in Huddersfield Road.