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The group's art is bringing colour to the wards and corridors of Scunthorpe General Hospital. Axholme Arts' members are hoping soon to see a more substantial piece of work placed in the hospital's grounds which should attract a lot of attention.

Axholme Arts was the brainchild of Jon Cocks. Jon has been bringing local people together since 2003 to learn more about art. His own artistic career has been a long and successful one which included working for advertising and marketing company Saatchi and Saatchi in London. He's been a commercial artist and also owner of a local gallery showcasing his own work and that of others.

Retired firefighter Paul Astle, who was based in North Lincolnshire for his 20 year career with the service, decided to pick up his artist's materials once again after a long break and became deeply involved in his hobby once more. He's a long standing member of the group and is very much involved in its activities.

The group started in 2003 but it was only recently, group member and retired engineer Brian Watkins produced some work which was mounted on the walls of the refectory of Scunthorpe General hospital. Managers at the hospital were impressed enough to allow other works to be displayed.听 Paul's photo features, Sharon Benson (left) of Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Goole Hospitals, Jon Cocks (centre) and Brian Watkins (right) with an example of a group member's artwork behind them.

The group has now received official recognition from the National Lottery, 'Awards for All' scheme which has been given a grant to help fund their work. The money is being used to buy special infection resistant paint and to cover transport costs. Additionally the group has received support from a local building company and a leading brand paint manufacturer.

The arts' group runs children's sessions and much of their work is currently on show at the hospital. The children were recently invited to view their paintings in situ and were thrilled to see their work on display. Axholme Arts runs two art sessions a week for children whilst adults meet once a week to pursue their artistic interests.

During the summer holidays, the group runs additional sessions for youngsters to take part in. Jon is impressed with the age range of the people who attend his sessions and says the youngest member of the arts' group is seven and the oldest, seventy.

Looking to the future under the guidance of Brian Watkins, it's hoped the group will produce a much larger piece of work using steel for the hospital grounds as a tribute to Scunthorpe's long association with the steel industry. Additionally Paul says they're hoping to provide artwork for hospitals in Grimsby and Goole and expand their activities in Scunthorpe.