THERE was not only a great display of paintings at St Matthew's Festival of Art in Leyburn, but also a chance to watch artists at work.

With 469 paintings on show by 60 artists, this was the largest summer exhibition staged at the church hall and about a quarter of those were sold during the festival.

Visitors enjoyed discussing with some of the artists-in-residence the various techniques used and the difference between working with oils or watercolours.

In St Matthew's Church there was a small exhibition of fascinating wood carvings, mainly on a spiritual theme, by Marlene Brownlow of Darlington.

When visitors asked which club had organised the floral decorations, they were amazed to find out that these had all been done by the "flower ladies" of the church.

The good acoustics in the church meant that all could thoroughly enjoy the spirited and excellent concert presented by the Reeth Brass Band on the Saturday. Led by Mike Hardman, the band had everyone foot tapping to medleys from Bond films and Abba hits, as well as several hymns.

Along with new, but well-played pieces, were such old favourites as The Rivers of Babylon and One Moment in Time. The band was thanked by Viv Worswick on behalf of the church.

On the Sunday, the church again rocked to the sound of tapping feet when the Leyburn Circle Dancers had almost everyone dancing in the aisles during a Thanksgiving for Art service.

Led by the Rev Jim Mellors, this well-attended and enjoyable service opened and closed to the music of the Palm Court Trio. P L.