PICTURES from a national art collection will be on show in Tavistock as part of an Easter exhibition linked to Tavistock Music and Arts Festival.

'Imagining Easter' shows art inspired by the story behind the Easter holiday.

Organiser Kit Harbottle said: 'I am delighted that we can bring pictures from a national collection of modern Christian art to the centre of Tavistock, and show them alongside work for sale from a number of artists in the region.

'Laura Hopes and Maggi Squire, from the Drawn to the Valley network, have created new pieces for the exhibition. We reflect the historical perspective through some lovely art books lent to us, and through a slide loop prepared by Geri Parlby which shows pictures of the risen Jesus meeting Mary Magdalene.'

The exhibition draws on other skills within the community. Tavistock Camera Club is displaying work by its members and other local photographers. African 'stations of the cross', belonging to a member of the Catholic Church, will be displayed alongside a set donated to St Eustachius' by the late Yvonne Cornish.

St Rumon's and St Peter's schools have loaned children's books about the first Easter. Needleworkers from Tavistock Methodist Church have prepared three new banners. Visitors will also have an opportunity to add miniature drawings and share their thoughts.

The exhibition, arranged by Tavistock Area Christians Together, runs in St Eustachius' Church from April 18 to 24. Admission is free, with donations invited for Christian Aid. It is open from noon to 4.45pm from April 18 to 24 except that it is closed on April 22, and on April 23 it opens from 9am to 4pm. It launches with a united Passiontide service, with choir, music, hymns and readings, and a chance to preview the exhibition, on Palm Sunday (April 17) at 6pm.

The exhibition is one of 16 venues on the Tavistock Music and Arts Festival art trail.