A gym and fitness centre is allowing a local artist to exercise her talents - by releasing a new wall space in one of their stretch rooms.

The Fitness and Well-Being Gym, owned by Nuffield Health in Highfield Park Drive, will host an exhibition by St Albans-based artist Chantal Ridings, 39, from February 24,

The show opens its doors to the public with an evening event from 6.30-9.30pm, and the artwork entitled Strings Attached will be on view for three weeks.

The gallery will feature a range of pieces making light of everyday themes using thread and shweshwe fabric.

The idea of creating a gallery came from Daniel Baker of Nuffield Health and Anna-Silvia Dooley of ArtHouse16, a series of art classes for adults and children.

Anna-Silvia said: “The whole scheme is a win-win situation; A great opportunity for local artists to show to a wide audience, and the Nuffield gym members and public can enjoy or purchase art as they work out.”