ARTIST Suki Chan has a mission to draw a new audience into the area's premier gallery.

Fascinated by the life and times of Leigh people, the recently appointed artist-in-residence at the Turnpike, Suki has developed a new project based on an interest in working with the elderly.

The Goldsmith's graduate, who has been in town for three months, is appealing to the older generation to visit her studio to talk about memories of growing up, working and holidaying in bygone times.

Suki, who is also gathering artefacts for use in a series of shows next year, would also appreciate sponsorship from businesses.

She said: "I recently moved to Manchester and found I really love this area. There are lots of things here that fascinate me, the mills, collieries, friendliness and comradeship.

"I am hoping to work on my project with Leigh Widows, Pensioners' Link, mothers' unions and care home residents.

"I want to produce a voice library and video and organise a museum-style presentation of old items.

"I've already collected dolly blues, an old washboard, a dolly tub and posser, miners' lamps and figurines of pit brow lassies.

"I'd be delighted to hear tales about tommy tins, billy cans, Monday wash day blues and donkey stoning steps, in fact anything of interest," she said. "The project will help me to learn more about the region and help record the past for posterity.

"My door at the Turnpike is open to anyone who wants to pop in for a chat, or drop off any artefacts they think could be useful for the exhibition, planned for next February."

The studio is open Tuesday-Thursday, 10am to 5pm. ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: Suki Chan with memorabilia on display and borrowed from Wigan Museum Schools' Loans Service (2037-10)