A NEW fortnightly art group has been launched for blind and partially sighted people.

Sight Concern Worcestershire are opening the group in Evesham which will experiment with painting, drawing, clay, textiles and other tactile art.

In collaboration with Garage Art, the first meeting will take place at their studio in Crown Court Yard on Bridge Street on Monday April 24 from 1pm.

Heather Smith, sight concern advice and support officer, said: "This initiative is building on the hugely successful weekly art group based at our headquarters at the Bradbury Centre in Worcester.

"People assume that if you have sight loss you cannot do art but this is far from true. So many of our clients get great satisfaction from their meetings which are both relaxing and challenging.

"With the help of special equipment and lighting, they create the most wonderful work – many people even discover hidden talents."

In addition, the new group will offer people the opportunity to share sight loss experience and receive support if they need it.

Pam White, chief executive of Garage Art added: "We at the Garage Art Group welcome and look forward to meeting our new students with sight impairment.

"It will be a great opportunity for them to meet each other, socialise and make new friends.

"No experience is necessary, just a willingness to have a go."

To book a place for the first meeting, contact Heather Smith on 07505 842560 or Sight Concern on 01905 723245.