Budleigh Salterton Art Club held their spring and summer Exhibitions this year bringing in a footfall of over 4000 people to the town.

Budleigh's Public Hall was transformed into an art gallery that visitors from far and wide come to see each year. The exhibition not only showcases and promotes the work of its talented artists but also raises funds for local charities and other worthwhile causes.

This year, Budleigh Salterton Art Club raised money for Mill Water School, which is a specialist school for children and young people who have complex, severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties, based in East Budleigh.

On Wednesday, October 11, the chairman, vice chairman and treasurer of Budleigh Salterton Art Club were thrilled to present a cheque for £400 to Mill Water School which will go towards an Art Week there. This will include a visit from Exmouth artist, Nic George and will culminate in Mill Water School holding their own in-house exhibition to showcase their artwork.

Mill Water School's assistant headteacher Sally Cregan said: "This support from Budleigh Salterton Art Club is tremendous. Art is hugely important for our pupils. Its positive benefits go far beyond it being a fun and inclusive activity. It helps with communication, social skills, dexterity, attention and making choices, as well as it being a wonderfully sensory, calming, rewarding and therapeutic experience. Many of our pupils do not have the same opportunities as their mainstream peers to engage in art activities outside of school. This generous donation from the arts club will help fund materials and boost what we can offer our pupils."

Budleigh Salterton Art Club seek to promote all of the benefits which art can bring- if you would like to know more about the club please see: www.budleighsaltertonartclub.org.uk

For further information about Mill Water School visit: https://www.millwater.devon.sch.uk/web