FORMER war correspondent Kate Adie officially opened an art exhibition in Cerne Abbas.

The former BBC news chief, who is best known for reporting from trouble spots around the world, opened the Cerne Valley Art Exhibition on Saturday.

This was alongside Jessica Dallyn, director of fundraising for Combat Stress, which is the exhibition’s chosen charity.

Organisers of the biannual art exhibition Jennie and John Patterson this year took over from Richard Hartley-Sharpe who had been running the Cerne Valley Art Exhibition since 1998.

A total of 39 artists exhibited paintings in various mediums including acrylic, charcoal, Chinese brush, painting on rice paper, fabric dye and ink, watercolours, oils, pen and ink, pencil and pastels, wood craft, pottery and photography. Former organiser Mr Hartley-Sharpe was one of the many exhibitors in the exhibition which showcases the work of many talented artists both young and old.

The works of Geoff Hunt, a serving naval officer who became a professional artist and lived in the village for many years, were also on display.

Mrs Patterson said: “Richard was a hard act to follow but we have been very well helped by lots of people in the village.”

She added: “It’s all been going really well and we have been very pleased.

“We hope as many people as possible come down to visit.”

Admission to the exhibition is free but a donation to Combat Stress is invited. The Cerne Valley Art Exhibition is open all week and will close on Sunday at 6pm.