MEMBERS of a community health centre in Felixstowe are overjoyed today after their art exhibition received a tremendous reception.Six weeks of intensive work revealed hidden talent in poems, paintings and photographs created by the members of The Caretakers House under the guidance of the volunteer staff.

MEMBERS of a community health centre in Felixstowe are overjoyed today after their art exhibition received a tremendous reception.

Six weeks of intensive work revealed hidden talent in poems, paintings and photographs created by the members of The Caretakers House under the guidance of the volunteer staff.

Sally Corker, club organiser at the house in High Road West, said: "We are truly amazed with what they have achieved in the short space of time. We have encouraged some real talent and the members should be very pleased with what they have produced."

The house is a mental health resource centre run by the charity East Suffolk Mind. The open door policy means that anyone with a problem, no matter how severe, can drop in to the centre where volunteers will give them the support they need.

Regular visitors are classed as members and every week they get together for social activities.

Manager, Jim Cadbury, said: "The whole point of the project is to support people and to make them aware of their skills. The members didn't know they had these talents and now they can show them off and be part of the community."

Photographs at the exhibition included scenes at Felixstowe Ferry, Bent Hill in the winter and a rare shot of a mink hunting ducks at Flatford.

Guests spoke very highly of all the work and were impressed by the drawings of one member in particular. Patrick Wilkinson's work ranged from intricate studies of the human body to an abstract piece.

This was the first time he had turned his hand to art and he needed a lot of encouragement.

Beryl Turner, member and organiser of the art club said: "I had to draw it out of him as he has no confidence in himself. Now he is excited with what he produces every week.

At first he was into religious paintings but now I have stretched him to do other subjects."

The photography club is run by former-newspaper photographer Warren Holborough and Elizabeth Cade. Each week the members are a set a different theme and taken out to represent it on film.

Mr Holborough said: "Art gives people the chance to be creative and plan their thoughts through. It's a chance to get them out into the community to explore different avenues which can provide a release from their problems."