SKETCHERS and scribblers in Stratton are sharpening their pencils as they eagerly await the first meeting of a brand new art club.

Put together by local artists Marilyn Trew and Ruth Wintle, the club is intended to be up and running by early January and will meet on a regular basis at Grange Leisure in Stratton St Margaret.

An excited Marilyn said: “We would like as many local people to come as possible, whether they are complete beginners or experienced artists.

“We will teach a range of techniques, such as how to paint water colours or draw still life pictures, or, if people prefer, they can be left to do whatever they want.”

Marilyn and Ruth, who run the United Community Art Group each Thursday in Tesco’s Ocotal Way store, thought it would be nice to have an art club at Grange Leisure for the people of Stratton.

“It is aimed at people who live on their own and may be lonely or marginalised in some way, or for those with physical or mental disabilities,” said Marilyn, 72.

“We are not sure how much it will cost yet, but it will be very reasonable. We will plan regular outings to museums or places with good opportunities for landscape drawing, and we are also hoping to organise a Christmas lunch.”

Work produced by members of the group will be proudly exhibited at Grange Leisure, which is currently hosting a pop-up craft shop in which locals can sell their hand-crafted goodies to raise funds for children's leukaemia charity CALM.

“The Grange is absolutely fantastic, it’s the hub of the community,” said Marilyn.

“We have had some really positive feedback from people, who have said it’s great because there is nothing else like it in the area. It means people will have somewhere to come to make friends and socialise.

“I have been a counsellor for a long time and I have seen the positive effects that creativity has on people. It helps to relax you, it’s a great way to keep your brain active and it’s very enjoyable. You are never too old to learn something new.”

The group has been given a boost by the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council who generously handed them a cheque for £700 from the community grant scheme to help with start-up costs.

Marilyn said: “We are very pleased to have received some money from the parish council to start the club. They have been very generous and we are really grateful. It shows just how keen they are to see it take off.”

For more information, call Marilyn on 07768442393.