THE 10th annual art exhibition at St Matthew s Church, Sutton Bridge, closed with organisers hailing another successful event, raising cash for the church and showcasing the talents of 99 artists. It was due to be formally opened by 100-year-old Doris Bar

THE 10th annual art exhibition at St Matthew's Church, Sutton Bridge, closed with organisers hailing another successful event, raising cash for the church and showcasing the talents of 99 artists.

It was due to be formally opened by 100-year-old Doris Barnes, a member of the church congregation, but she had suffered a fall and was taken to hospital.

The task of launching the event, with about 300 exhibits, including metal sculpture for the first time, fell to the Rev David Woods, vicar of St Matthew's. Among guests at the launch was Councillor Colin Helstrip, chairman of Lincolnshire County Council.

Mr Woods and his wife Veronica exhibited paintings in the exhibition, as did John Hayes, MP for South Holland and the Deepings.

The exhibition was staged in a new-look St Matthew's, featuring a purpose-built Trinity Room, with moveable partitioned walls, creating a large functional space at the rear of the church.

Prices of paintings on display ranged from £15 to £850, with a percentage of all sales going to the church.