Art lovers are enjoying the freedom of Alton as a celebrity gardener has cut the ribbon to a new gallery on Normandy Street.

Glynis Watts and the Freedom Through Expression team have received a groundswell of support since Alan Titchmarsh did the honours at Lord Rodney House last weekend.

The local celebrity was his typical smiley and affable self at the launch with trustees and renowned mouth and foot painters, Tom Yendell and Keith Janzs also attending.

Mouth painter, Barry West, and Alton town mayor, Cllr Annette Eyre were also among the guests at the gallery in the former Holybourne Flooring premises.

The team’s vision is to promote the artwork of local artists and craftspeople, and to encourage and work with both up-and-coming and established artists, alike.

The gallery will also showcase the work of creative youngsters from Alton-area schools and the multi-talented students of Treloars.

Artwork will be refreshed regularly by the team but the gallery will also include a permanent exhibition of work produced by mouth and foot painters.

The team will also specifically work with the many talented young disabled artists, like those who compete in the national Unique Art Awards.

A programme of workshops is planned along with spaces for art studios while hopes are high that a printing and framing provision will be offered in the New Year.

The gallery will be open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday with art lovers and artists being encouraged to pop-in.

For more details email Glynis at [email protected]