ARTISTS of all ages are being invited to paint a picture of Tavistock’s parish church, or any part of it, in a summer art competition — and their work will be displayed in an autumn exhibition.

The competition is one of the events marking the 700th anniversary of St Eustachius’ Church in 2018 and the exhibition will be open to the public at the Bedford Hotel, on October 8 and 9.

The competition has three sections: Junior (under 13), Senior (13 to 18) and Adults (19 and over) on September 1, with cash prizes for the best entries.

To inspire you, artist Ian Pethers, exhibition secretary of Tavistock Group of Artists, is pictured holding a watercolour he painted showing part of the Lady Chapel east window, with a carving of the Virgin Mary and child.

Ian, a member of the Hilliard Society of Miniaturist Art and the Royal Miniaturist Society, is pictured with Canon Dr John Rea, chairman of the Friends of St Eustachius’ Church, which is organising the competition.

Mr Rea said: ‘I think this is a wonderful painting, featuring part of the church which is very special to me. I hope it will inspire anyone who enjoys painting to capture the church, or part of it, which is special to them.’

Schools are being posted with details of the competition. For an entry form contact Mr Rea ([email protected]; 01822 613420) or Hugh Walkington ([email protected]; 01822 614972).