Families have been enjoying a village-wide art gallery to admire work by local people.

Adults, children, school and community groups are among those who submitted art work to South Square Art Gallery in Thornton, on the theme of wind power.

The work, which covers a vast range of mediums including watercolours, sculptures, collages, models and photographs, was sent in as part of a competition organised as a joint venture between Thornton Art Trail and Yorkshire Wind Power. Entries also include willow sculptures, embroidery and a video.

Yorkshire Windpower, made up of E.ON UK and Bristol-based Energy Power Resources EPR, is sponsoring the contest, which asked people to send in entries to display both in South Square Art Gallery and in the windows of local shops in Thornton throughout October. Work had to be on the theme of wind power, and based on the nearby wind farm at Ovenden Moor - one of England's oldest windfarms and a well-known local landmark above Ogden Water.

The number of entries - 45 from individuals and nine from groups - surprised the organisers, as has the number of people coming to look at them.

Maps are being given out, showing the locations of the work. Those entering had to be local to the windfarm, but visitors to the trail have come from all over the district.

Jana Ellis, partner of Thornton man Roland Arnison, who came up with the idea, said: "We have been stunned by the response. People have been coming from across the district.

"Families and groups of people have been walking around the village with their maps. Children have been asking questions about wind power and about art - it has been lovely."

She adds: "It is also a way of bringing people to Thornton to explore the village. Some shopkeepers have been thrilled by people discovering their shops while on the trail and saying they will come again."

The main prizes, which include a flight in a hot air balloon, have been donated by E.ON UK, and a series of other prizes, donated by local businesses, will be awarded after what organiser's have called the People's Vote.

"People visiting the trail can vote on their favourite entry, which makes the trail more exciting, especially for children."

Parent Sandra Grice, of Wibsey, followed the trail with her son Matthew and friend Josh, both 11.

She said: "They both loved finding the next one on the map and were looking out for other things that could be classed as art too.

"They asked me lost of questions about windmills. It was great."

l Thornton Art Trail runs until 25th October. Maps are available from South Square Art Gallery, open Tuesday to Sunday, or Thornton Post Office. Voting closes on October 19.