The event was held over the weekend and featured an exhibition of 137 pieces of work by local artists, plus displays by featured artists, demonstrators and artists' materials suppliers.

The artwork was in a wide variety of mediums, including a collection of church kneelers and a display of work by Sleaford Photographic Club.

The best in show was selected by members of the public visiting the exhibition, held in North Kesteven District Council's Civic Suite. Winner was Chris Jones of Cranwell with his painting in acrylic called Bad Hair Day.

The Art Challenge saw four artists take two hours to produce a painting of a posed scene by two actresses from Sleaford Little Theatre's production of the Darling Buds of May. It was won by Mike Webster of Melton Mowbray. Both winners got a plaque and bottle of Champagne.

Chairman of the arts event, Mary Newman, gave out her own, new award for her favourite piece to Laura-Jane Luff of Sleaford for her acrylic picture called Mr Clark. She got a plaque and box of chocolates.

Show committee secretary Jenny Preston said feedback was excellent: "Everybody loves the art event and this year it was brilliant. There was a buzz about the place and the standard is definitely improving."

She was particularly pleased to see disabled artist Laura-Jane Luff recognised for her work.

Artists' paintings on postcards sold well as people snapped up the little masterpieces on display and quite a few paintings were sold too. Half the proceeds from the show will go to a local charity to be confirmed.

Mrs Preston particularly wanted to thank a contingent of volunteers from the US Navy detachment based at RAF Digby who helped shift and set up the large display boards.