ARTISTS from around region will showcase their work at an art fair next month.

Local artist Philip Boville has organised the event at Redcar and Cleveland Leisure and Community Heart where people will be displaying artwork and artistic craftwork, glass and pottery.

As well offering works for sale, some of the artists will giving practical demonstrations of their work.

Mr Boville, who is from Marske, said: “It will be a lovely, friendly atmosphere, and a great opportunity to talk to artists about their work or even purchase that special gift.

“Redcar is a wonderful town. I believe an art fair such as this is a great opportunity to attract visitors, and for local businesses to get to know the creative community, so we can work together for the benefit of our area.

“If this art fair is a success the plan will be to form a group to establish this as an annual event.”

Local businesses will also be in attendance, promoting what work they do, while mixing with the artists.

Members of the public who would like to have a go at drawing something of their own will be given the opportunity and artists will be there to give advice.

Councillor Carl Quartermain, cabinet member for jobs, skills and leisure at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “I am delighted to welcome this event into the Civic Heart building, and I am keen to encourage more organisers to bring about all types of mediums to increase more art and culture events in our region.

“I hope it attracts plenty of art enthusiasts or anyone looking to do something different over a weekend.”

The fair, on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday 2, is free to enter and will be open from 10.30am until 4pm.

There will be free parking for visitors and exhibitors beneath and adjacent to the building, and Redcar Central Station is nearby.

The event comes just two weeks after the hugely successful Festival of Thrift took over the village of Kirkleatham on the outskirts of Redcar.

Thousands of people visited the two-day event which brought together more than 140 things to do, see and take part in, including a series of workshops and demonstrations on subjects ranging from foraging for food and wild baking, to talks from a mother-of-five about how to be hard up and happy.

The latest arts event in the borough takes place at the council building on Ridley Street.

For more information call Mr Boville on 07804-372022.