THE Mayor of Halton has enjoyed a unique engagement with a community group.

In her official robes and chain, Clr Margaret Ratcliffe posed as a model for two adult painting and drawing classes.

Members of the Years Ahead groups at Ditton and Grangeway community centres created sketches of her in pencil, pastel and watercolours.

Clr Ratcliffe said: “It was great fun. I spoke to them about all the things I have been doing whilst I’ve been Mayor and told them about the history of the chain. I’ve scanned their pictures into my memory box for future years.”

Years Ahead started in 1998 and is a voluntary organisation running arts activities for the over 50s across Halton.

Each week around 80 people attend sessions in crafts, creating writing, tap dancing.

The painting and drawing class covers a range of techniques, subjects and materials taught by Wendy Hetherington and Claire Weetman.

All sessions are run for 10 weeks by knowledgeable tutors.

Classes start again on April 30 at Ditton Community Centre, Dundalk Road, Widnes, and May 1 at Grangeway Community Centre, Grangeway, Runcorn.

For details of Years Ahead courses, Call Louise Hesketh, Halton Council's arts development officer, on 0151 906 3737.