An exhibition is being held in memory of an art group founder who died of a heart attack while hanging paintings last year.

Sutton Watercolourists are selling their work at Whitehall in Cheam to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

The event was inspired by Paula Pears, 67, who suffered fatal heart failure while preparing display boards at Sutton library.

The former Chipstead Valley Junior School teacher had dedicated her retirement to supporting the group, set up in 1986.

A spokesman said: “We wanted to commemorate Paula and to raise awareness of the work of the BHF.”

“We all enjoy painting and we hope members of the public will enjoy the paintings, too.

"We also hope that there is one that you not only want to vote for but one you would like to buy Most of the paintings on view are for sale.”

The exhibition is running at Whitehall, in Malden Road, until 5pm on Sunday, with all the proceeds going to the BHF.

The group meets at the building most Monday evenings and anyone interested in joining can email art@courtonline.co.uk for more details.

For more of what’s on, go to our Events section