A LONG-RUNNING and successful art group hosted its popular annual exhibition at Rayleigh’s Women’s Institute Hall.

Rayleigh Art Group, which was set up in 1962, held the exhibition over the weekend at the Billingham Road venue.

Members displayed more than 100 paintings of their own creation, painted in oils, acrylics, watercolours and many more.

Colin Mossman, chairman of Rayleigh Art Group, said: “It went very well and we had more than 300 visitors over both days.

Mark Francois, Rayleigh MP, attended and gave an opening speech which was very positive about all of us and our work. The visitors were positive about the exhibition as well.

“We displayed more than 125 paintings, so there was plenty for people to explore.”

Mr Mossman said the art group is going from strength to strength, but they are always keen for more members.

“The group is going very well at the moment and the standard of work is very high,” he said.

“That was one of the comments from the visitors, some people think because it is a local art group people sometimes do not expect the quality to be so high. The MP said in his speech it has become an annual traditional for him to attend and he feels it adds to the cultural aspect of the town.” Rayleigh funeral directors AR Adams sponsored the event.