A YOUNG artist followed in the footsteps of a long line of VIPs and television stars to do the official opening of a prestigious Ilkley art exhibition.

Seven-year-old Edward Simpson, whose grandfather, Leslie Simpson, organises the event, took over from the big names of Emmerdale, Last of the Summer Wine, Coronation Street and former Archbishop of York, David Hope to open the British Society of Painters Exhibition at the weekend.

Edward, of Harrogate, became the youngest artist to exhibit at the exhibition last year, and on Saturday he joined Grumbleweeds favourite Maurice Lee at the opening ceremony at the Winter Garden.

This time he is hoping to sell four of his works: 'Star' and 'Monster', priced at £50 each, and with a £250 per painting price tag, 'The Limo'and 'The Flock'.

His grandfather, meanwhile is exhibiting 20 of his popular Whimseycollies series of paintings, and Maurice Lee, who is also a significant figure in the organisation, has no fewer then 15 of his own works up for sale.

A number of other local artists have their paintings in the exhibition, which runs every day this week from noon until 4pm. The closing day of the exhibition is Sunday March 26).

Other local artists with a tradition of exhibiting at the Ilkley exhibition also have their work on show.

Works in oil and pastels are being exhibited by Arthur Atkinson, of Church Street, Addingham. Mr Atkinson said his preferred subjects include scenes involving human activity, either at work or leisure, and he has an interest in scenes from past times.

Landscape artist Wilf Palliser, of Otley, is presenting six watercolour paintings in the exhibition, depicting scenes in the Yorkshire Dales, Wales and the Lake District. A past prize winner for his artwork, Mr Palliser has sold paintings to art lovers in the Netherlands, Finland, North and South America and Australia, as well as around Britain.

Experienced artist Charles Ketteridge, meanwhile, of Ilkley, is showing six pieces done in pastels, depicting a variety of landscapes.

Admission to the exhibition is £2.50, including a free catalogue.