ARTISTIC townsfolk are being invited to express themselves with potter's wheels, paints and materials at a Bromsgrove society.

The Avoncroft Arts Society, based at the Stoke Heath Community Centre, is a vi-brant and encouraging group, which offers a range of classes for people of all levels.

Drawing and painting is the mainstay of the society's sessions but pottery, textiles, and calligraphy also features.

And now the society is looking for new groups, particularly in printing and con-temporary arts, to make use of the Redditch Road premises.

Spokesman Tony Turpin said: "We have a good sized hall with sprung floor and a stage, plus a range of rooms for you to hire for your own activities or events."

He added: "At the moment our members are mostly retired but we would like to encourage younger people to join us. We are trying to push the group forward."

"The centre, which is on land owned by Cadbury's, is a good environment to be in for painting and drawing."

The society has an annual exhibition, which gives members a chance to showcase their work. Tony said: "Some are normally quite nervous about it, but around 60 per cent of our members show something."

The most recent exhibition took place earlier this month, and around 100 townsfolk turned out to see it.

If you would like to take part in a class or are interested in setting up a new group call 01527 833829.