A Bingley artist, described as an “unsung hero of Northern painting”, is to launch a major exhibition of her work, at the age of 83.

Stephanie Dingle will show a retrospective collection of her oil paintings at a Chorley gallery from next week.

The artist, who moved from Cheshire to Bingley with her husband Graham to be near family, said: “I’m very much looking forward to this exhibition.

“It’s strange having an exhibition because it rather bares your soul. But when you have done it once it’s not quite so bad.

“I will be showing paintings that have not seen the light of day before. It is a retrospective exhibition but there will be new paintings. I have been painting constantly while I have been in Bingley including one or two sheep paintings as we are surrounded by sheep here.”

Mrs Dingle was a student of William Turner, a friend and contemporary of LS Lowry.

Travels around Britain and across the world have inspired a large collection of oil paintings which now sell for between £400 and £2,000.

“I have been painting all my life,” she said. “I have had a lot of wonderful experiences while I have been painting, and the paintings take you to some beautiful places and beautiful galleries around the country.

“There have been many special moments.

“From an emotional point of view, my highlight was when I won a prize at the Manchester Academy, it was an honour and I think it opened a few doors for me.

“I hope to carry on painting, and travelling for more inspiration.”

Artist and friend Geoffrey Key said: “I have been privileged to know Stephanie and to see the development of her work over many years. Stephanie Dingle is, in my estimation, an unsung hero of Northern painting.

David Blandford-Jupe, who has organised the new exhibition, said: “It is plain that Stephanie’s work has been completely overlooked and it is time for her to receive the recognition she deserves.”

The exhibition, presented by Blandford Fine Art of Milnthorpe, South Cumbria, will run from Friday, February 26, until Saturday, March 20, at the Coach House Gallery, Astley Hall, Chorley, Lancashire.