A MUCH-LOVED art club in Helensburgh is getting ready to celebrate its 71st birthday 

Helensburgh Art Club members are holding their annual exhibition and sale on the weekend of August 17 and 18 at the Victoria Halls.

A range of work by members will be available for purchase, including Jewellery and craft items and oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings.

And for a second year in a row, the event is sponsored by BTO Solicitors, who are also backing the club's spring and autumn one-day sales.

Kirstine MacRae, a partner in BTO’s family law team who has been working in Helensburgh for 30 years, will officially open the exhibition at the preview evening for invited guests on Friday, August 16,

The club hosts regular activities for members from October to March with lectures, demos and workshops held at Helensburgh Sailing Club.

Within the club are a variety of art groups such as a painting group on Wednesdays and a life-drawing group on Fridays held at the sailing club, as well as a portrait group hosted on Tuesdays in Helensburgh Tennis Club.

Grant Hunter, BTO’s managing partner, said: “We are delighted to continue our support of this major event, which is very much part of the summer scene in Helensburgh.

“It’s a pleasure for BTO to be associated with an occasion which provides an excellent platform for showcasing to the public the wealth of artistic talent in Helensburgh and the surrounding area.

“Everyone, including colleagues from BTO who attended last year, thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition. As it is one which displays an array of artwork, there will undoubtedly be pieces on show which will be of interest to everyone.”

Helensburgh Art Club has the largest membership of any art group in the West of Scotland but is still keen to welcome new members.

The club also has a new website at helensburghartclub.co.uk, an online members' gallery and extra exhibiting opportunities with local businesses.

Their annual exhibition and sale runs from 9am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.