A NEW community art gallery and shop has held its first exhibition

Residents of Catchgate, near Stanley, have set up the Chiron Art Gallery, in Catchgate Methodist Church hall, using National Lottery funding.

Founder member Rikki Blythe said: "This is for people who love art, for local artists who want to display and sell their work and those who enjoy looking at art.

"We are also running an art store in the hall and have a caf where people can meet and talk."

The "art emporium" run by Mrs Blythe with husband Bill, and colleagues Ann and John Holliday, is named after Chiron, the king of the Centaurs from Greek mythology.

The business was set up with a £4,800 grant from the National Lottery Awards for All fund, with business advice from Community Enterprise Direct.

Exhibitions will be held on the third Saturday of every month with local artists encouraged to book places. For further information, contact (01207) 237232.

Published: 21/09/2004