BILL Hodson tells me that he always had a longing to draw but was convinced at an early age that he should pursue a science career if he wanted to get a job.

Twenty or so years on, while in his forties, his wife enrolled him for an evening class.

Although the class folded after only one term, Bill was hooked' and found a local artist to help teach him to paint in oils. After moving to the Lakes ten years ago, he joined the like-minded individuals of Kendal Art Society.

Tomorrow (Saturday) sees the opening of KAS's summer exhibition, running until Saturday, August 25, at Kendal Town Hall.

Sharing the exhibition space with Bill and the rest of the society's talented members will be Frances Bedford, who first joined KAS in 1980, and graduated with a visual art degree from Lancaster University in 1989.

She went on to be KAS chairman and her watercolour, pastel and oil paintings have become a popular part of its annual show.

The exhibition will be open daily from 10am-5pm, except Sundays, closing at 4pm on the final day.

For further arts coverage see The Westmorland Gazette Leisure section each Friday.