The annual event was held in the town's Assembly Rooms, where about 300 paintings were on display and there was also a variety of craft stalls.

Swaffham Town Mayor Shirley Matthews and Age Concern Norfolk's chief executive Hilary Macdonald were among the 70 people attending a preview evening on Friday.

And on the Saturday and Sunday mornings, resident artist Ken Forrest produced watercolour paintings from scratch in the exhibition hall as an added attraction.

James Dean, one of the organisers, said: "The exhibition went extremely well and we have done better than last year, with a surplus of £904 after all expenses, compared with £650.

"We had a very good response to the raffle, with £400-plus raised, sponsorship from Swaffham Lions and Manor Farm Medical Centre and also donations were good in the boxes we had out.

"We sold 43 paintings, which was two or three less than last year but still pretty close, and we had a particularly busy day on Saturday.

"I think the gorgeous weather helped us."

A motorcyclists' rally brought a bonus influx of visitors on Sunday and refreshment sales did well, he added.

Mr Dean said: "We had such good vibes from the people who came. They said they enjoyed it and it was well organised. It seems to be enjoyed as a social event now as well as an art exhibition."