FORMER fire service cook is mixing up something special at Prestwich Library. Mrs Brenda Reid, who retired from Whitefield Fire Station nine years ago, is making her debut exhibition as an artist.

The 64-year-old of New Road, Radcliffe has enjoyed painting since leaving school but only took up her hobby seriously around six years ago.

She said: "I stopped painting when I got married and had a family, but I always enjoyed art and design. When I retired I wanted something to do so I took up classes at Whitefield Adult Centre in Higher Lane."

Brenda, who has four daughters and seven grandchildren, likes to paint in watercolours and her interests are mainly landscapes, boats and wildlife.

Her exhibition will feature at the library's exhibition room in the Longfield Centre until December 23 and is open to everyone.