AN artist who grew up in Padgate is returning to her stomping ground for her first exhibition in the area in 30 years.

Elizabeth Grima discovered her love of art as a teenager in Warrington when she used to sell painted stones with her mum Lillian. This led to her winning a number of awards and having work published with the help of a Birchwood writers and illustrators' group.

The mum-of-three moved to St Helens and put her paintbrushes down when she was bringing up her family. But after a long break, Elizabeth is now painting again with numerous commissions and art projects on the go.

That includes a display of new work and selected pieces at Chris Beesley Studio Gallery in Bruche Heath Gardens, Padgate, from January 6 until February 3.

Elizabeth, who grew up in Green Lane, said: "It takes me back. When I was looking around for places to exhibit, I came across this little gem of a gallery.

"Chris is a fellow Warringtonian and fellow artist so our paths crossed quite often. It was great to discover I knew him. I recognised his name but hadn’t realised who he was until I visited the gallery.

"I have loved drawing and painting since I could pick up a crayon and my mum is an amazing artist. She has always encouraged me. I loved doing the craft fayres with my mum. My dad would usually be roped in to get us there and back. Mum did all the hard work on the stalls really. Painting stones was the fun part as well as walking around chatting to the other stall holders."

Elizabeth, a former Woolston High student, also said her style has changed over the years.

The 53-year-old added: "I used to spend many many hours drawing things in a very detailed way when I was younger. Now it's all about conveying how I feel about something. You can expect to see lots of trees and sunshine and shadows, because that is where my art is currently taking me..."