A Sidmouth artist’s work was chosen for an award from 250 paintings submitted from across East Devon.

An exhibition at Kennaway House showcasing the work of 72 members of the Sidmouth Society of Artists was officially launched at a preview evening last week.

Exmouth Town Crier Roger Bourgein also paid the town a visit.

Guest of honour Peter Goodhall, a well-known professional artist and teacher, had the difficult job of deciding the winner of this year’s Marion Ovens Award - a silver salver named after an artist who was part of the society for many years before she died. Mr Goodhall chose a painting called ‘Old Friends’ by Jill Booker.

Mrs Booker said she spent around four days on the painting, inspired by a Cornish holiday where she spotted four small boats knocking together ‘like they were chatting’.

The exhibition is open from 10am until 5pm until Tuesday and until 4pm on Wednesday. Entry is £1, under-18s free.