ST Helen's Church, in Escrick, near York, is holding its first fund-raising exhibition, Art Without Fuss.

More than 20 artists have provided 200 paintings between them for a show where most of the work is for sale with 20 per cent of the sales proceeds going to the church.

Each artist has paid £5 per pew, where the artwork is displayed, and among those taking part are York Art Society membersJackie Smith, Ron Walker and Lyn Taylor, who specialises in painting birds on feathers.

Event organiser and exhibitor Sadie Ashton has been delighted by her fellow artists' response to the exhibition. "Art Without Fuss is a new event and we're pleased to have so many artists on show. We're now considering holding the event maybe every two years. It's a lovely way to being people into St Helen's Church."

The exhibition is open until 4pm today and from 10am to 4pm tomorrow. Admission is £2 and includes a cup of tea or coffee.