A MORECAMBE born artist now working in London has come back to his roots for a new exhibition.

Anthony Padgett's 'Divine Illuminations' will be on show at the resort's Winter Gardens theatre every Sunday between now and September as the historic building is re-opened to visitors for the first time in more than 20 years.

Friends of the Winter Garden are displaying the building to locals and tourists alike as they bid to raise funds for its restoration.

Padgett's contemporary art - combing religious kitsch with seaside kitsch - will be on display along with the theatre itself.

The works include include his vision of 21st century tourism posters advertising Morecambe as a resort for religious 'fun'damentalists in what Padgett call a new initiative to welcome people of all faiths to the town.

The exhibition will include performances each Sunday, award winning sculpture, old Morecambe illuminations, neon signs, clothing and music from different world religions.

Padgett, a self-styled post modern religious artist, says: "There has never been a more important time to create dialogue between secular culture and world religions. Morecambe is in a perfect location to become a centre for creatively exploring these issues in a spirit of peace and fun."

Brought up in Morecambe, the artist has worked in London, Jerusalem and America as a teacher of religious education, a conservator of churches and artist.