CREATIVE endeavour is blossoming in Banbury with the opening of a new gallery in the town centre and plans for a special art event this summer.

Last Friday about 70 people packed into Church Lane Gallery to toast the opening of the new space on a trial basis.

The gallery aims to promote the best of local talent and features an array of paintings, sculpture and glasswork by artisans from Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.

It was first dreamt up several years ago by Barry Whitehouse, owner of nearby shop The Artery, and town team co-ordinators Iain Nicholson and Neil Wild.

Mr Whitehouse, a painter, said: "It's such a privilege to be given the opportunity to realise my dream to trial a professional gallery in Banbury.

"On Friday there were a few sales and lots of positive comments about how much the area needs a proper gallery space for the community to celebrate local artists.

"It will compliment other creative places in the Old Town such as The Artery, Buzzy's, Frogabilia, The Art Framing Workshop, and J D'Cruz and be a great asset to the town."

The gallery is on the corner of Church Lane and Church Walk and is open from 10am to 3pm on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays and from 10am to 1pm on Thursdays.

It is currently running as a pop-up shop from rented space and if it proves successful during March it may be extended.

Mr Whitehouse said: "This is a trial to see if the town can sustain an actual gallery because obviously it can only make its living through the sale of artwork."

Meanwhile a new event, Banbury ArtFest, is being planned that will take place in conjunction with the Banbury and District Show in June.

Upwards of 25 artisans are set to pitch up in Spiceball Park displaying their work but also demonstrating their skills, making pots, weaving and painting on site.

There will also be an art shop for those interested in buying materials and if it goes down well ArtFest could become a regular event.

Artists who would like to be considered for exhibiting should call 01295 275150.