THE popular art exhibitions at the King's Hall are in danger of folding after the main sponsor, The Mail on Sunday, decided to pull out.

When the nine-year deal comes to an end in July, the future for local artists could be bleak, according to organiser Leslie Simpson

A shocked Mr Simpson said: "Without some sort of support, I cannot see how the exhibitions can survive."

Mr Simpson said the disappointing decision had been taken by new Mail on Sunday managing director Stephen Miron who told him in a letter that the paper would switch to supporting other charities.

Claire Davies, assistant to Mr Miron, said that since he took over in October he wanted other charities to the get the chance to benefit from the Mail on Sunday.

"While he recognised the history of prior support, he thought it would be an opportunity to look into other charities to see what we could do by way of support," Miss Davies said.

Mr Simpson hoped to secure sponsorship from other organisations to continue to run the art exhibitions.

He said: "Over the years my wife Margaret and I have helped many artists to achieve a successful career, mainly at the expense of my own career, as I am no longer seen as an artist but an exhibition organiser.

"We started the Ilkley exhibitions in February 1981 and we have always been supported by the Ilkley Gazette. We don't know how we have ever managed to survive one year never mind 24."

The next exhibition of the British Watercolour Society at the Kings Hall/Winter Gardens Ilkley, will run from Saturday, June 12 to Sunday, June 20.

On the first Saturday at 11am, it will be officially opened by Bruce Jones, who plays Les Battersby in the TV soap opera Coronation Street. After that it will be open from 12noon until 5pm.

Ever since the late Bryan Mosley (Alf Roberts), a fan of the exhibitions, began attending, the list of Coronation Street and other soap stars opening the shows has been endless.

Liz Dawn (Vera Duckworth), Barbara Knox (Rita), Thelma Barlow (Mavis), Peter Baldwin (Derek) have been among the stars opening the exhibition.

During the latest exhibition, there will be 1,250 original paintings on show, with between 5,000 and 8,000 people expected to attend.

To continue the traditions Mr Simpson said he was searching for local sponsors to take over the Mail on Sunday Contribution.

He said that the art exhibitions brought lots of visitors to the town with local businesses reaping the benefit of extra customers.

Mr Simpson said: "From the start the exhibitions have proved to be a success. We are competing against other art groups who receive cheaper charity rates as well as grants and handouts, while these exhibitions are seen as a commercial venture and therefore we have to pay full commercial rates."

"We have a committee who have proved to be very helpful, but provide no financial help. We seem to be competing on an uneven playing field."