VETERANS are showing off colourful artwork with an important purpose in a pop-up shop in Bury town centre.

Members of Haslingden ex-services charity Veterans In Communities (VIC) use art therapy as a way to escape from their memories of the horrors of conflict.

Ex-servicemen and women opened their temporary home in the former Next store in the Mill Gate Centre last Friday (July 25) to sell their prints and paintings.

The charity’s arts and crafts coordinator Darren Horsnell, an ex-artillery soldier and Falklands veteran, will host an art class tomorrow (August 1) between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

Outreach sessions held for veterans of the armed forces and police, fire and ambulance services are also being held until the pop-up shop closes on Sunday (August 3).

Mr Horsnell said: “Last year the pop up show was a huge success and we had 3,000 people visit in the week.

“Our usual Friday art class will this week be held in the shopping centre, so please feel free to call in and join the artists.

“During the week we will be holding a raffle to raise extra funds with the star prize a snooker cue signed by 17 professional players and a limited edition signed Red Arrows print.”

VIC provides outreach and access to art, sport, fishing and walking as well as courses for veterans throughout East Lancashire and Rochdale.

For more information: call 01706 833180.