BOVEY Tracey’s burgeoning Paradiso centre of the arts took a major step forward last week.

Following a smaller art show earlier this month which exhibited works by two professional artists, it has now launched its first open summer exhibition.

More than 30 works of art by local artists are on show and all are for sale – except one.

As visitors enter the Paradiso they will see a locomotive painting by transport enthusiast and town councillor David Elphick.

David died last month and his family have loaned one of his works to the venue.

Paradiso coordinator Jon Arnold, himself a fellow town councillor, said: ‘David was a talented artist and a keen supporter of the arts in Bovey Tracey, being involved with local art groups. It’s a fitting tribute to a very popular local.’

Among the visitors on the first day was Jeanette Pearce. Her late husband, Tony, was the chairman of the Bovey Paradiso. He battled through a long period of ill health to source funding to establish the centre, but sadly died in April 2018 before his dream was realised.

The art gallery at the Paradiso, sited in the former King of Prussia pub which lay closed and near to dereliction for many years, was successfully reopened last month after a major reconstruction.

Building work is still to be done to create a new intimate cinema /theatre space, artists’ studios and a bistro.

When completed it will be one of the finest bespoke arts venues in Teignbridge.

The summer exhibition is free to see, and runs until September 4.

It is open daily, Thursday to Sunday, from 10.30am to 3pm.

For more information about the Paradiso project and how you can get involved, go to www.paradiso.org.