ASHLEY (6) STAGES ART EXHIBITION

Ashley, currently only six, will open up his home at 9 Boughey Place, Lewes, from 6pm until 8pm on February 24 to show off his latest creations in a bid to raise cash for a trip to Canada.

Said Ashley, on his invitation circular: 'I love painting pictures and I have painted lots and lots. So I am having an exhibition at my house and you are invited.

'There will be drinks and my paintings will be on sale so I can get some money to go to Canada. It will be at 6pm and will finish at bedtime.

'Please would you like to come. I will be very happy if you do. You don't have to buy a picture but you might like just looking.'

Ashley, a pupil at South Malling School, is in good company because his mother Helene and his grand-father both paint.

'He has been drawing and painting ever since he could pick up a pencil,' said Helene.

'He has a real talent for seeing things as they are. It is nave work, as one would expect, but also insightful.

'He works with acrylic on canvas and has already completed two commissions, both of which were well received.

'He wants to be an artist when he grows up but at the moment he is also thinking about becoming a deep sea diver!'

The painting are selling at between 10 and 40 each and hopefully Ashley will raise enough money to bring an expedition to Canada to see his great-godmother a step nearer.