THE annual Monday Group painting exhibition is back over the Easter weekend in Bradford on Avon with the help of a fleecy friend.

The town’s oldest art group, which has been going for more than 40 years, will be displaying their works in the West Barn until Bank Holiday Monday for the four days (March 25-28).

Group member Jill Phipps has also created the life-sized Eunice the sheep and she will be joined with 11 fellow artists in presenting their displays of local landscapes, portraits, still-life, abstracts, ceramics and prints.

“We are all so excited for it. This is the second time we have held it in the West Barn and last year it attracted 1000 people, so fingers crossed for more of the same,” said Mrs Phipps.

“I got the idea for Eunice after looking at a book of sketches by sculptor Henry Moore. He’s made up of chicken wire, metal rods, raw fleece, three pairs of sock and a nice beany hat.

“I am very proud of it and if someone buys this giant outdoor sheep I will give the proceeds to Dorothy House.”

Juliet Greaves, who has been part of the group for nearly 40 years, said: “I am very much looking forward to this event. It is the highlight of our year and is always a great success.

“Last year we had a tremendous amount of people and if the weather holds true hopefully we will surpass that with a bit of luck. This year Eunice is our star attraction. There is a lot of variety on show with something for everyone.”

The group meets to paint portraits from September to Easter and paints many other subjects apart from portraits during the year.

The exhibition is completely free and will be open each day from 10am to 4pm.