Celebrating art for arts sake in the Moorlands

All things artistic were in the frame when the third celebration of artisans and creativity took place in Leek.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council in partnership with Support Staffordshire hosted a performance and awards evening to recognise the valuable contribution of the artistic community.

The Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek art forums all displayed examples of their work and produced short performances on the evening followed by the presentation of their funding awards of £3,500 by Council Leader Councillor Sybil Ralphs.

Councillor Ralphs, who is also portfolio holder for arts and culture, said: "Arts and creative expression play such an important role in our busy, modern lives and I'm delighted that the Council continues to offer financial support to groups in Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek to encourage and facilitate ongoing participation in a diverse range of activities which appeal to all age groups, abilities and artistic disciplines.

"This is the third year we've held a celebratory event of this nature and it's already a firm favourite - it's a real pleasure to see the results of the artistic endeavours of the groups in their displays and performances. We certainly have a lot of talented people living here in the Moorlands."