EIGHTY unstretched painted canvases - the culmination of months of hard work - are going on display in a Northwich church.

Last summer, members of the Hartford community took part in a series of art workshops at St John's Church.

Inspired by the theme of 'creation', children, teenagers and adults from around the parish have produced an immersive installation, which will be open to public viewing next month.

The School Lane church is now launching its CREATED exhibition on March 1 to display the work of those who took part. 

A church spokeswoman said: "Given the initial brief flora, participants united in common practice given identical blank canvases and the same watercolour paints, pastels and acquarel crayons.

"Many workshop participants responded with a surprised joy, and were given confidence to overcome personal prejudices regarding their own creativity.

"This experiential element acts as a foil to the material, visual installation on display.

"Experience (that is, mental memory) meets the visual (the combined aesthetic of the canvas hangings) in strong embrace."

The art exhibition will be first the Victorian-era church has hosted in its history.

The spokeswoman added: "The canvas hangings in situ are a multi-sensory installation which mirror nature’s beauty.

"There is a tactile aspect to these raw, ripped canvas hangings; viewers are encouraged to move through and touch the works by wandering through the space.

"The heart of this exhibition lies in unique collaborative process, embracing diversity and transcending skill to emphasise raw artistic expression.

"The project underscores art as a means to unite the community, fostering camaraderie and celebrating the creative spirit."

The CREATED exhibition runs from March 1 to March 7 and is open to the public daily between 2pm and 7pm.

Admission is free. More details are available online at stjohnshartford.org.