A group of artists are hopeful that more people will join their side for an upcoming anniversary celebration.

The Windermere Art Society will be hosting the return of its annual exhibition between August 5 and 17 at the Lady Holme Centre.

The event dates back to 1979, with the 45th anniversary being used by the society to increase their pleas for more people to get involved.

One of the current members said: "Windermere Art Society is lovingly called the Waslings by its members and it is a non-pretentious group completely free from the airs and graces we have perhaps come to associate with 'arty' types. 

"The Society enthusiastically welcomes artists from all walks of life, and at all stages of development, whether you are a beginner or a more experienced artist, wanting to learn a new technique, impart your own specialist expertise to others or simply watch a professional artist at work."

During the winter season, the Windermere Art Society has programmes largely devoted to learning techniques and also invites well-known artists from all over Cumbria to give demonstrations.

In the Summer, the group meets outdoors to paint the 'wonderful vistas and interesting sites' of the Lake District, including spots at Wray Castle, Rydal, Fell Foot and Ullswater.

"The exhibition is quite unique - not only is there great art for sale but each year since it began in 1979 it has encouraged young artists to grow, to maintain and support the rich pool of talent which exists in our schools locally. 

"Colin Heighton was one of the ten founder members of the society -membership has since grown from strength to strength to promote art and encourage the craft and now stands at fifty."

The society is currently the only one in Cumbria which has a specific fund to promote young artists by giving them financial support, as well as the opportunity to show their work and win prizes. 

The exhibition will be open between 10.30am and 5pm during its run, with doors closing at 4pm on its final day (August 17).