A POPULAR exhibition has returned to celebrate local artists for the 41st year in a row.

The annual Craftsmen at the Priory exhibition has officially kicked off at Lanercost Priory.

Every year, a collection of artwork from mostly local artists goes on display for one month in Dacre Hall, at the Augustinian priory.

This year there are 15 artists in total, including the six members of the core group which runs the exhibit, as well as a handful of works from previous exhibitors.

Tricia Meynell, one of the artists displaying, said: “There used to always be a strong Cumbrian theme, these days it’s not entirely Cumbrian but this year it is mostly.

“Everything has to be of a very high standard, it can’t be mass-produced so it has to be handmade.

“We aim to get a lot of new artists each year so it’s a fresh and vibrant exhibition - we don’t like to repeat things.”

There is something for everyone at the exhibition with medias including ceramics, photography, jewellery, glass, wood, textiles, oil paintings, watercolours, printmaking.

Alongside the exhibition, there is also a shop area.

Craftsmen at the Priory opened on Wednesday and will run in Dacre Hall until September 3.

Entrance is £1.