MORE than 1,000 original paintings will be unveiled at the British Society of Painters' Autumn Exhibition in Ilkley next month.

Among the 179 artists taking place in the September 13 to September 21 event will be Ilkley-based singing star and comedian Maurice Lee, of The Grumbleweeds.

Mr Lee, now an artist in his own right, will be showing six of his abstract works and officially opening the show at the King's Hall and Winter Garden at 11am on Saturday, September 13.

The exhibition will run daily from noon until 5pm, and is expected to attract up to 5,000 visitors keen to view, and buy, the 1,250 watercolour, oil, pastel and acrylic paintings on show.

Exhibition director Leslie Simpson, of Ilkley, is using the opportunity to reveal some of the latest paintings in his popular, cartoon style 'WhimsyCollies' series.

Meanwhile, Burley-in-Wharfedale artist Greg Learmonth will be showing a range of more conventional acrylic and pastel works, depicting scenes from the British and African countryside.

Budding artists can also pick up tips at one of four weekend demonstrations being given by painters during the event, which is being sponsored by The Mail on Sunday and Yorkshire Television. Admission costs £2.50.