YORK'S new Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress carried out their first public engagement by opening an exhibition of art by adult learners.

Councillor Charles Hall, elected as Lord Mayor last Thursday, and his wife, Janice, opened a one-day art exhibition at Strensall Methodist Church, York.

The 200-piece exhibition featured work by adult learners from City of York Council's community education painting and drawing classes, held in Strensall.

Coun Hall said of Saturday's exhibition: "It demonstrates that learning is a lifelong process. Hopefully visitors will be encouraged to participate and develop their latent talents."

Mike Cooper, the council's adult education community officer, said: "We're delighted the new Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress opened the exhibition. It was a great chance for local people to see the work of amateur local artists and many of the exhibitors were on hand to talk about their work."

Updated: 10:05 Monday, May 26, 2003