AN art group whose work has become a regular feature in West Wycombe has brought its talent to the Wycombe Swan.

The West Wycombe Art Group is holding its winter exhibition at the theatre in St Mary Street until February 1.

There are 55 works of art by most of the 25 artists who are part of the group.

It is exclusive to just 25 members and there is a waiting list to join. John Ashton, who was one of the first members of the group at the start of the 80s, said: "We are restricted to 25. It keeps us exclusive- keeps the standard up.

"It is also the maximum number of people you get around a still life.

"It has changed. In fact the standard has risen and risen."

Several of the group exhibit in the Mall Galleries in London. He is a member of The Armed Forces Art Society and exhibits regularly there.

The West Wycombe Art Group meet weekly and their summer exhibition has become a regular event in the West Wycombe calendar in the village hall.

They have various tutors come and teach the group including High Wycombe's Lorna Cassidy and Dennis Syrett, who is a member of The Royal Institute of Oil Painters.

John said they all have very different styles and work in different medias. He paints in acrylics mainly and oil and watercolours, and is enjoying working with acrylic ink.

The 73-year-old lives in Downley and retired from RAF High Wycombe in 2000. He was one of the first to join the group after seeing an advert in the BFP from founding member, John Easterling.

The West Wycombe Art Group's Winter Exhibition is at the Wycombe Swan until February 1. The exhibition is only open to the public during theatre opening hours, ie from two hours before each performance to the end of each show.

For more details go to www.westwycombeartgroup.com