ART enthusiasts have been gathering at Latchford store Picturesq after the Mayor launched his first watercolour exhibition for charity.

Cllr Settle (LAB – Poulton North) opened it to the public on August 21 but it is running at the photography shop, on Knutsford Road, until Saturday.

He is putting a selection of his favourite watercolours that he has painted over recent years up for sale, while there will also be mounted prints of the originals to purchase.

Cllr Settle admitted his slight 'apprehension' over the event but said it is something he has been looking forward to for quite some time.

"I have only ever entered a couple of works in exhibitions at Stockton Heath Arts Festival and Penketh Library but nothing as ambitious as this," he added.

"Watercolour is my favourite medium and I have thoroughly enjoyed painting them during my weekly art classes in Penketh.

"I try and keep those two hours blocked out in my calendar as it is my time to relax and have fun."

During the exhibition residents can purchase a £1 raffle ticket for the opportunity to win framed prints.

Mayoral correspondent Teddy George has been making guest appearances at Picturesq but Cllr Settle is also urging residents to visit to help support the Mayor's selected charities, which include Bipolar UK, John Holt Cancer Support Foundation, National Autistic Society and MacIntrye.

The only one of the charities without a Warrington branch is Bipolar UK but Cllr Settle has pledged to help it set up a support group in the area.

He hopes it will be self-supporting by the end of his term of office.

Despite his busy schedule, Cllr Settle has been able to have some time to recover in preparation for the imminent hectic period once again.

"With the number of engagements easing off I took the opportunity to focus on raising money for the Mayor's charities," he added.

"This coincided with the very successful launch of the new Mayor of Warrington Facebook and Twitter accounts."

Apart from the exhibition, the Mayor's fundraisers include the super heroes park run and a bucket collection at Warrington Wolves' encounter against Wigan Warriors.

The fundraising efforts have helped the total go past the £2,000 mark.