A GROUP of Malvern artists are looking forward to returning to their roots with an exhibition of paintings.

Malvern Terrace Artists will exhibit at Malvern Theatres for the first time in eight years from Tuesday to August 1.

The group began life in 1981 when members used to exhibit their work on what was then the Winter Gardens terrace to raise money for Malvern Festival of Visual Arts.

The group held its last exhibition there in 1996 when the terrace was demolished to make way for the refurbishment of Malvern Theatres and it has exhibited in alternative venues since.

Now, the group is preparing to stage an exhibition of around 35 oil and watercolour paintings in the restaurant at the Theatres.

Pat Claytor, from Malvern Terrace Artists said: "It's really quite a momentous occasion for the local artists, as we are coming back home, however briefly it may be."

All paintings will be available to buy and a percentage will go to the League of Friends of Malvern Community Hospital.