A GRUNDISBURGH artist has lent his support to the restoration of an ailing church.Reg Snook will be holding an exhibition of his paintings at Culpho church this weekend, with a percentage of his takings going towards the church funds.

A GRUNDISBURGH artist has lent his support to the restoration of an ailing church.

Reg Snook will be holding an exhibition of his paintings at Culpho church this weekend, with a percentage of his takings going towards the church funds.

The Friends of Culpho church aim to raise £65,000 to help restore and repair the ancient building, and Mr Snook's exhibition is one of many fundraising events happening over the course of the next month.

Glennis Richardson, a member of The Friends of Culpho Church, said: "The church is extremely old. We are not sure of the exact dates but it is mentioned in the Domesday book.

"Over a period of years it's fallen into a dreadful state. There are problems with damp and stone erosion which we hope to rectify before the church is totally beyond repair."

One of the most striking pieces on display at the exhibition will be a triptych - a series of three paintings - depicting Mr Snook's own battle with cancer.

He was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer almost three years ago and endured six months of chemotherapy and numerous operations before being told, earlier this year, that it had gone into remission.

Mr Snook said: "Cancer completely changed my out look on life and my outlook on painting. I paint every day now because I feel I've been given some extra time.

"To try to get the dreaded demon out of my system I have completed a triptych depicting autumn, winter, and spring. It's a journey travelling through, and finally coming out, of a very deep depression, and I attempted to portray the realisation that life should not be taken for granted."

Also included will be some of his series of portraits of Grundisburgh residents. Mr Snook lives in Ipswich but his studio is in a remote part of Grundisburgh.

He began painting the residents of the village shortly after his diagnosis and estimates he has now produced around 140 portraits.

Mr Snook paints mainly in acrylics but has also produced many watercolour pictures of birds and wildlife. He said: "I will paint any subject. I'm not afraid to give anything a try."

Throughout the weekend there will be a number of open gardens in Culpho and Tuddenham, with proceeds going to the church funds.

On Saturday June 26 a classical concert, The Romantic Cello, will be held at the church and on Sunday June 27, a strawberry fair will be held at Wood Farm, Grundisburgh.

This weekend's exhibition is being held at Culpho church on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm. All are welcome.

For more information on any of the events call Chris Garnham on 01473 738139.