ORGANISERS of a much-loved village art show hope to shed new light on their exhibits by raising £6,000.

Each summer for the past 27 years Milnthorpe parish church has been transformed into the venue for the North West's largest open art exhibition.

The popular four-day August event attracts visitors from far and wide, and has raised close to £170,000 for local good causes and charities.

Now, organisers have launched a Crowdfunding appeal to buy a new LED lighting system to show new and established artists' work in the best light.

The event at St Thomas' Parish Church, a highlight of the village calendar, is managed by Milnthorpe Men's Forum. Chairman Jim Robson said: "To show artists' work effectively requires an excellent lighting system and our present system is starting to show its age - the existing system came from K Shoes secondhand almost 30 years ago - and will soon be unrepairable. A new LED lighting system will be easier to install each year, more effective and much more energy efficient."

Mr Robson, who has lived in Milnthorpe for more than 30 years, added: "We really need this new investment in lighting to ensure the exhibition stays healthy and continues to grow to the benefit of local charities."

To give, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Milnthorpe-Art-Ex