CHARACTERS from a Sidmouth pub have been lining up to have their portraits painted by a local artist in the last few weeks. Artist Patricia Mason started the project at The Volunteer Inn as a way to practice, but now punters are queuing up to have their l

CHARACTERS from a Sidmouth pub have been lining up to have their portraits painted by a local artist in the last few weeks.Artist Patricia Mason started the project at The Volunteer Inn as a way to practice, but now punters are queuing up to have their likeness immortalised at £50 a time.Mrs Baston said: "It came about because I don't often get to paint for myself and local ordinary people don't get painted. They are the ones who are really interesting so we developed a plan. So I painted them just to get back into it, but it has just taken off."A total of 12 portraits have been booked, with five already hanging in the pub and six more awaiting their sitting, including the landlord Steve Lea, 48, later this month.Mr Lea, who is co-landlord of the pub with Jo Jacobs, said: "It is an honour for her to offer this service for our regulars who love it." The project was started in the beginning of May when some of the regulars of the pub offered to sit for Mrs Mason, who in turn offered the discounted rate of £50 per portrait.An initial sitting of two hours hasbeen taking place in the pub on Wednesdays whenever possible, with the painting being finished at her home. She thanked the landlords and the 'characters' saying: "They have been really supportive of me down at the pub.