FROM an area within 12 or 15 miles of Hittisleigh, almost 50 people showed a range of skills of a high standard at St Andrew's Church, Hittisleigh, amazing many visitors.

On the Two Moors Way, the organisers were delighted to welcome several walkers who put down back packs and walking sticks to have a cup of tea on the benches in the pretty churchyard and wander the exhibition.

The two-day exhibition of Hidden Talents was to raise funds for the church and included church records on loan from Exeter Diocesan Record Office.

There was also a model train exhibition in Hittisleigh Village Hall where R S Tower, an Exeter-based group, showed a model railroad representing a junction between two railroad routes in a small Midwest town in the USA.

With exhibitors, stewards at the exhibition, those providing refreshments at the church, and everyone else, more than 50 people were involved. Mrs Prue Powell explained that planning began more than a year ago.

She had the idea to show how the church is in the middle of the community, encouraging people to see the church in a different and to see the amazing talents in such a small area.

"Often we do not realise the wonderful work people are doing quietly in their homes, making amazing and beautiful things but not making a lot of noise about what they do," she said.

The youngest exhibitors were two of Mrs Powell's grandchildren, both less than four years old with a painting each.

Artists included Don Nicholson of Yeoford and Sue Bloomfield of Cheriton Bishop. Don has been running a series of workshops guiding a group of people in the skills of oil painting by kind permission of Sue at her studio at Pitton Barton.

An exhibition of work by the group is to be held there on Saturday, August 15, 10.30am-4.,30pm. Anyone interested in joining they should contact Don on 01363 84272 or [email protected]">[email protected] .

Don is also taking part in the Devon Open Studios Event with an open house on September 5 and 6, 8-13 and 15-19.

Several exhibitors at Hittisleigh were demonstrating their craft with others on hand to talk about their work and encourage them to take up craft work. Among them were members of Yeoford Yarns who had several large patchwork quilts on show.

Names were being taken for those interested in joining a group at Hittisleigh Village Hall for quilting, sewing, cross stitch etc.