A WIDOWER is hosting an art exhibition with a difference in memory of his wife and son.

Les Hammond, who lives in Newland, near Malvern, is opening his garden to the public, where paintings by his late wife, Olive, and other local artists will be on display and for sale.

Mr Hammond is hoping the event, which takes place on Saturday, August 1 will raise money for two charities close to his heart.

"I lost my son, Mark, to a rare disease called neurosarcoidosis four years ago. He was 38 and had fought the disease for years. The disease affected every part of his body, but still not many people have heard of it," he said.

"My wife, Olive, had fought and survived cancer, but then last year she died suddenly following a stroke. That was a huge shock to all who knew her. I miss her terribly.

"Olive loved painting. She had always painted for the 18 years I knew her, and she was very good at it. She would never have let me sell them when she was alive because she was forever giving them away. But I hope the event will raise some money for the Sarcoidosis Interstitial Lung Association and for St Richard's Hospice."

People are welcome to visit the garden and exhibition and enjoy tea and cake from 11am until 5pm.

"Olive was very fit. Even at 76 she was still organising her dance class. She was a wonderful woman and we had a lovely marriage," he said.

"Hopefully on the day I will also have some competitions and quizzes for people to take part in too. I did an event like this last year and managed to raise a fair bit for charity, so I want to do the same thing again. They are both incredibly worthy causes."

If you are interested in going along to the event, the address is 3 Stocks Lane, Newland, WR13 5AZ.