Marina Speroni, wife of Crystal Palace goalkeeper, Julian Speroni, is one of a group of ten local artists holding an exhibition of their paintings, photography and sculpture this weekend.

Marina has returned to painting thanks to encouragement from her husband Julian, when he saw her casually sketching him when he was relaxing in front of the TV one evening.

Marina said: "I used to paint when I was very young but then I stopped during my teenage years. When I started to sketch Julian he suggested I portray how he feels on a canvas. Last season was a very emotional time for the team, with every match feeling like a cup final as they fought to get into the Premiership. It was very stressful for everyone. I decided to put the supporters behind Julian in the painting because it is a way to say 'thank you' to them."

Marina added: "I do commissions so it is like a business now. Julian loves the idea of me painting him, but he asked me not to put too much grey hair on him!"

The exhibition is taking place in Crockham Hill and is open from 10.30am to 6pm on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September. For more information call Helen on 01732 865476.

'Art in the Barn', Swaynesland, Swaynesland Road, Itchingwood Common, Nr Oxted, Surrey TN8 6QX.