ONE of Emmerdale's most familiar faces took time off on Saturday from sheep, extra-marital affairs and the Woolpack pub.

Clive Hornby, better known as farmer Jack Sugden, officially opened the British Society of Painters Autumn Exhibition at the Kings Hall/Winter Gardens.

Mr Hornby was seen as a somewhat more trustworthy character to perform the task than last year's guest.

Gazette readers may remember actor Chris Chittell's character, Eric Pollard, trying to sneak off with a painting after opening the Society's summer

exhibition which this year boasts 1,365 different exhibits, submitted by 123 artists.

The event , which finishes this Sunday, is open daily from noon to 5pm. Jack's marital affair is now over of course. He put his house back in order before daring to show his face in Ilkley.

He spoke with show director Margaret Simpson about one of his brother-in-law Richard Bacon's pictures. Richard painted the picture of Bolton Abbey while visiting the area when on holiday from Tazmania where he lives.

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