VISITORS to Leigh’s Turnpike Gallery will soon be able to discover the wealth of artistic talent that exists in the area.

The annual Open exhibition starts on Saturday, March 13, and is a celebration of the diversity of work in the borough.

Every year the Turnpike invites people living or working in the borough to submit an artwork or hand crafted object to be included.

Last year more than 200 local artists - professionals and amateurs, young and old - took part and the gallery is expecting even more this time.

It attracts work in a variety of media from painting, sculpture, video and photography, to ceramics, textiles and jewellery.

Visual arts officer for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, Martyn Lucas, said: “It is a real opportunity for amateurs to show alongside professionals, and for people of all ages to have their work on display.”