ART enthusiasts are being invited to meet The Trailway Artist at a retirement home in Blandford St Mary. 

Peter Blanchard will meet guests at the McCarthy Stone Retirement Living development, Stour Gate in Barley Place, on Friday, October 18. 

He will showcase some of his most impressive work while chatting to homeowners and their guests.

While there, the landscape artist will also do a live painting of the view from Stour Gate of Stour Meadows. 

Pete said: “I’m delighted to be invited to Stour Gate and look forward to meeting locals who share my love of painting.  

“Art can offer many benefits, including helping to reduce stress, improve fine motor skills, stimulate creativity, and encourage social interaction, which is why I’m keen to encourage more people to pursue it as a hobby.  

“I’m particularly looking forward to painting Stour Meadows, which is a hidden gem boasting spectacular greenery and wildlife.” 

Verity McKay, of McCarthy Stone, added: “We’re incredibly lucky to have so many beautiful green spaces, including Stour Meadows, on our doorstep, so we wanted to capture this with the help of local talent.  

“Hobbies, particularly art, can reap many rewards in later life, so we’re hoping Pete’s visit will get our homeowners’ creative juices flowing and maybe even inspire them to start a club.”