An artist from Kelsall has been invited to exhibit in the gardens of one of Cheshire’s finest country homes.

Andrew Worthington, 50, has four sculptures on display at Arley Hall near Knutsford which will be seen by thousands of visitors over the summer.

He said: “I was invited to Arley to draw inspiration from The Grove, which is an informal area in the gardens full of exotic trees and flowering shrubs,”

“Arley provides an incredible backdrop in which to display my work so it is a great honour to be asked to be involved in this project.”

Andrew’s artwork will sit alongside work by six others who have used metals, glass, sandstone and wood to create their pieces.

Normally he is based at Mount Pleasant Gardens in Kelsall where he teaches stone carving to beginners at weekends through the summer.

Andrew said: “I have created the sculptures to give the feeling that they have always belonged in the garden and have evolved naturally with the landscape.”

In total there are more than 30 pieces in the outdoor exhibition and some are for sale.

Visitors to Arley – which is renowned for its double herbaceous border and magnificent hall – will be handed a map of The Grove on arrival to guide them around the exhibits.

Other sculptures take the form of greyhounds, butterflies, a life-size stag as well as a cow and her calf. There are also ornate, colourful abstract pieces as well as a beautiful bench.

Arley’s General Manager Steve Hamilton said he hoped the sculptures and art in The Grove would provide a talking point for visitors.

“All art is subjective, but we hope the pieces will stimulate debate amongst visual art enthusiasts whilst others will just marvel at the skill of local craftsmen,” he said.

“We’re delighted with the range and quality of the pieces that have been produced and they have really added to the visitor experience at Arley.”