A POPULAR annual exhibition is set to be axed after too many local artists began complaining that their work was not being shown.

Almost 50 people displayed paintings and drawings in this year's art exhibition at the Sunnyhurst Wood Visitor Centre, Darwen.

But at the end of the event they were told it would be the last exhibition.

They heard that the organisers had received too many complaints and "hassle" from artists whose work was being turned away because of lack of space.

A spokesperson for the visitor centre confirmed there had been complaints from artists who had been turned away and added: "Due to the fact the exhibition has become so oversubscribed, we are reviewing whether an exhibition will be held next year."

But artist Bob Waters, of Pothouse Lane, said: "It is not fair that a small group of people can ruin it for everyone else. People are told when they enter about the limited space so they should be more understanding.

"As I was picking up my work from the visitor centre I was told it would be the last exhibition.

"They said people had been complaining of favouritism because they had work turned down, which is ridiculous.

"Unfortunately, I think all the complaints and hassle has got too much for the organisers.

"I have been putting things in the exhibition for quite a few years and I have had things turned away but you have to expect it sometimes. It will be sad to see the exhibition end because there aren't many options for local artists to show their work in Darwen."

Fellow artist Ian Morris, who created this year's Civic Society Christmas card, said: "There's a lot of people taking up art and wanting to exhibit their work and there's various societies locally who probably encourage people to enter the exhibition, so it's getting a lot busier.

"The people at the visitor centre have bent over backwards to help people and perhaps they need a rest.

"This exhibition has been a superb springboard for people and is probably the only place where people can pick up a piece of artwork linked to this area."