AN award-winning artist has painted amazing images of East Lancashire's iconic townscapes.

Carole Pugh, has created dozens of artworks in her retirement following a career as a textile designer in Whalley.

From Blackburn, Mrs Pugh, 68, can be spotted in town centres painting what is in front of her, despite bad weather.

The grandmother-of-three's latest works, depicting the Cathedral Quarter, King William Street and Railway Street, are set to be exhibited at the Haworth Art Gallery in Accrington from April to June.

Mrs Pugh said: "I love painting, its such a soothing activity and it's something I enjoy.

"It's great to sit outside and paint what's in front of you without planning it out before hand, it's great.

"I loved painting the town centres because you can get some really moody results."

The artist first picked up a brush when she was eight years old and has won two The Artist and Leisure Painter magazine awards.

Mrs Pugh said: "Now I'm retired I have lots of time to paint and I feel like I'm improving all the time.

"I use oils, acrylics, watercolour and all sorts of mediums to get different textures and looks.

"I've also painted Preston, Ribble Valley landscapes, York, wildlife and portraits, I love painting.

"It all started from my art teacher Mrs Walmsley, she was fantastic.

"I love Claude Monet, Rembrandt, they're great artists, I really like impressionists."

Mrs Pugh has previously exhibited works at Blackburn Library in the 1970s and 1980s.

Mrs Pugh said: "I would encourage anyone who wants to take up painting to just go for it, it's something you will not regret.

Mrs Pugh's exhibition will take place from Wednesday, April 25 to Wednesday, June 27, at the gallery in Manchester Road.

The gallery is open from noon to 4.45pm Monday to Friday and noon to 4.15pm on Saturday.