|PIC1|Canon Pete Wilcox, Canon Chancellor of Lichfield Cathedral, said the paintings by Richard N Clarke reinforced the link between the cathedral and the surrounding area.

The paintings will be on display from 3 and 17 September. They feature subjects from the Cannock Chase area, including Shugborough Hall, the German War Cemetery and Rugeley Power Station as seen from Stile Cop around 30 years ago.

The paintings portray Cannock Chase at different times of the year and day and some incorporate biblical events.

“It's very exciting to have a local artist like Richard exhibiting as part of our ArtReach programme, and to feature images which have a consistently regional focus,” said Mr Wilcox.

“Good art, like good Christian faith, is always rooted in a strong sense of place and we are delighted to present an exhibition which reinforces the connection between our Cathedral and the area it serves.”

Mr Clarke was born in Lichfield in 1953 and has lived in Staffordshire for most of his life. He was brought up in the coal mining village of Hazel Slade, which lies at the south of Cannock Chase, and studied fine art painting at Bath Academy of Art. He has exhibited his work in London and Birmingham and has also written books on the subject of contemporary art.