A GROUP of amateur artists have had their paintings stolen after summoning up the courage to put on an exhibition.

The 15 members of the Workers' Educational Association, based in Trafford, had put their best work on display at Altrincham Library to mark the end of their two year course.

But a large selection of the paintings were stolen from the library last Thursday night. The thieves went into the building in the evening and removed a number of paintings.

One angry artist, Pauline Andrews from Flixton, said: "It's so annoying, because it took a lot of guts for some of the artists to put their work on display in public.

"Some of the group were persuaded to exhibit their work by the course tutors. The paintings weren't even for sale, and they aren't particularly valuable.

"But everyone put in their favourite paintings, and they can't be replaced."

Most of the works were watercolours, including a variety of still life paintings and abstract works.

Pauline said: "I suppose we should be flattered that they decided to take our work. The paintings were all wired up and the exhibition was supervised, but on Friday morning most of them were gone.

"I just hope they don't bring any pleasure to whoever has stolen them. It's such a bad note to end on, because the group is ending in July."

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