A UNIQUE record of Wyre Forest's artistic life is now on show at Kidderminster Library.

The 26 large black and white photographs chronicle activities including play rehearsals, painting, singing, calligraphy, jewellery making and wood carving.

Wyre Forest Arts Forum, an umbrella organisation of creative groups, commissioned the pictures following a £5,000 lottery grant to form an archive of work by artists during the landmark 2002 Queen's Golden Jubilee year.

Forum vice-chairman Judith Price said the Hereford-based photographer Chris Smart - who toured theatres, studios and workshops - had created a true picture of the district.

"What is amazing is the feeling of concentration he's captured," said Mrs Price. "He's a wonderful photographer - he would go and spend quite a long time with people and they'd forget he was there.

"He captured some delightful moments."

She added: "There's some very lively moments and some very intense moments - it's an incredible variety."

Mrs Price said the shots showed how alive Wyre Forest was with artistic activity.

"There's an awful lot going on in the area and I think people need to realise there's a lot that's worth looking after and promoting."

Artscover, which was shown last year for two days at the Corn Exchange, runs until May 3 at the library's gallery.