Ormskirk staged a world first this weekend as paintings by a local man who drew on his undoubted artistic skill were displayed at The Civic.

Around 100 people visited the exhibition on the first floor of the popular community venue with Tom Lally's paintings displayed with permission of his widow Edna (pictured) who was joined at the event by her partner, son and daughter in law.

Tom, of Shirdley Hill, was a former art teacher at Meols Cop High School, Southport; amazingly, the paintings had been stored in his garage with Chris Bentley from Ormskirk Byegone Times suggesting they needed a wider audience to appreciate his talents.

As a local author, three of his books were on sale at the event which also featured some wonderful displays by the Lathom Park Trust and Ormskirk Byegone Times.