Seven mature artists who study at Thurrock College have their work on display in a prestigious gallery in Cambridge.

Brenda Abrey from Wakering, Stephanie Bradbury from Brentwood, Ann Saxby from Grays, Barbara Harley from Okendon and Denise Ellen, Hannah Carvey and Katrina Burtles from Stanford-le-Hope are all studying for a HNC in fine art, a course validated by Anglia Polytechnic University.

The women whose ages range from 19 to 62 study drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, computers and print and video techniques under tutor Bryan Benge.

The exhibition is being staged in Cambridge in the regional college Open Space Gallery, until February 2.

The women, joined by Julie Nicholls from Dartford, are delighted to have the chance to display some of the work they have created for the study modules in such a prestigious site.

Brenda Abrey explained: "Our tutor has links with the Cambridge studio and arranged for us to have the space there."

The women's art is all very different and inspired by their own personal experiences.

They include pictures of Stephanie's 81-year-old mother-in-law who taught dance until she was 70 and others prompted by bereavement, long distance love and pre-menstrual syndrome.

The exhibition is open at the Open Space gallery, Kings Head Road, Cambridge until February 3, from 10am to 4pm daily.

Off the wall - Artists Ann Saxby , left, and Brenda Abrey, right, with examples of their work which are hanging in Cambridge

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