Visitors to Chorley's Astley Park can now view the work of a local artist who has chosen the recently refurbished Coach House to showcase his first solo exhibition.

Michael John Ashcroft, a contemporary artist who was born in Croston, is returning to his roots to give local people and visitors a retrospective insight into the paintings of his art career from leaving college to the present day.

The Michael Ashcroft exhibition is part of Chorley Council's exhibition program and is on public view in the gallery until Sunday, October 4.

The exhibition is free and is open from 12 noon until 5pm, Friday to Sunday with the last admission at 4pm.

Councillor John Walker, Chorley Council's executive member for people, said: "Michael is an extremely popular artist with his work very much in demand for public and private collections.

“His paintings are widely sought after and we are delighted to have his work on show in Astley's Coach House gallery.

“I hope as many people as possible take up this great opportunity to view his paintings and take a look around the Coach House and the park."

Michael mainly paints in oils with the north of England as his backdrop.

The focus of his paintings tends to be sights and buildings around the north west with Michael using natural or artificial light to create strong contrasts.

The Coach House is one of improvements that have been made to Astley Park as part of a £3 million heritage lottery-funded project.

The building includes an art gallery, activity room, conference room and is home to Café Ambio.