THE product of art therapy at a care home in Little Somerford has been turned into a truly unique exhibition.

Residents at Hill House Residential Home have been taking part in art classes, courtesy of the home’s owner and art therapist, Norma Doveton.

Some of their work, along with some portraits Norma has painted of residents, is now on display at Malmesbury Town Hall.

Norma, who was a qualified nurse before she started doing art therapy, said the classes have had amazing effects on residents.

“I think when you give up your home and go to live in one room in home, activities are very important to you,” she said.

“It’s something you can sit round the table and do while enjoying the company of other people.

“We’ve done art therapy with some people who have had strokes so can only had their left hand or who haven’t drawn since school.

“Art is important for everyone. The eldest person who is taking part is 101.”

Art therapy has been proven to help people with dementia and Alzheimer’s as it gives a sense of control over sufferers’ environment.

The rest of the art created by residents is on display on the walls of Hill House.

One of the residents at the home, Marjorie Fraiser said the art classes have made her feel “alive”.

“I wanted a career in design and I love painting still life and things from imagination,” she said.

“If you connect with art it makes you feel alive.”

Another resident, John Adams said: “Doing art makes me feel I have done something. The more you put into it the more you get out of it.”

The exhibition will on at Malmesbury Town Hall gallery until Friday, October 28, and will be open daily from 10am-5pm.