A FLAVOUR of Helmsley was the theme of a painting challenge day involving art enthusiasts from across Ryedale.

Organised by the Vale of Pickering Art Club, the event is held every summer as part of a series of outdoor painting days.

This year, Helmsley was chosen as the subject matter, with 14 people painting a variety of scenes around the town centre, including the castle, the view up the beck towards the church, the market place and outdoor seating areas at cafes.

Club chairman Diana Smith said: "We had an excellent day and the standard of completed work was impressive.

"Two artists successfully tackled compositions that brought together a number of key features of the town from different view points," she said.

Diana said the work was displayed at the evening meeting where more than 25 members voted for their favourite painting.

"Jean Larcum, aYork-based professional artist and tutor, gave a review of the pictures and the winner, who was Alwyne Thorpe, with her painting in acrylics of one of the cafes," she said.

The club meets on the second Thursday of the month at the Memorial Hall, from 7pm to 9pm.

An annual exhibition will take place from Saturday, September 5 to Sunday, September 13 at the Memorial Hall, from 10am to 5pm.

In October the meeting will be a demonstration of Abstract Landscapes in pastels by Chris Flinton and in November Jonathan Pomeroy will be giving a demonstration titled Watercolour Wildlife.

For more information about the club, phone Diana on 01751 467036 or email twsmith1@btinternet.com