AN amateur artist is hoping to relaunch the therapeutic art group that helped him to grieve after his wife's death.

Andrew Cherrie, who lives in Potters Court in Greater Leys, originally helped found an art group in the supported housing development in 2013.

For the ex-carpenter it was a way to deal with the grief he felt following he death of his wife of 47 years, Catherine, in 2009.

The 77-year-old had only drawn technical diagrams before as part of his work but gradually branched out in to water colours and pastels.

He started the fortnightly group to share his passion with other Potters Court and Blackbird Leys residents but attendance has slowly dwindled over the years and a session hasn't been held since last year.

With the help of the housing manager, Amy Hibberd, Mr Cherrie is now hoping to re-launch the scheme and is planning a series of sessions in the development's common room for next month.

He said: "For me it is very therapeutic.

"Nine years ago I was grieving quite heavily and I started doing it to get away from it all.

"Unfortunately people got ill and stopped coming.

"So we decided to start again and I hope that it can help others to.

"We're open to everyone, it doesn't matter if you think you can't draw.

"It doesn't have to be perfect, it's more the process of doing it and the social aspect of getting together with other residents to produce something."

An initial meeting of the art group will take place on March 15 where people who are interested can get together to discuss what they would like to do and what materials are needed.

Then on March 29, a paint-along session will be held to guide people through the process of producing an artwork from start to finish so they can have something to display at the end.

From April 12 the group will be joined by a tutor to help them perfect their drawing and painting techniques.

Mr Cherrie also hopes to run card-making and clay modelling sessions in future.

Members of the Leys Community Development Initiative's Clockhouse project are also supporting the project.

Mr Cherrie is appealing for local businesses to consider sponsoring the group or helping to pay for materials.

Ms Hibberd said: "We feel there are so many people in the area that could benefit from activities like this.

"Most people will think 'I can't draw' and have never done it before but we want people to come a long anyway and give it a go.

"I think it is really important for well-being and helps to combat mental health issues.

"I don't think many people realise how much of an impact it can have."