A HONITON youth art group has been awarded a �200 bursary thanks to a flourishing art society.

A HONITON youth art group has been awarded a �200 bursary thanks to a flourishing art society.Masterpieces, a group run by the Thelma Hulbert Gallery, was given the funding by Honiton Decorative and Fine Arts Society and the official presentation will take place at the town's Royal British Legion Hall in April.The society was able to award the bursary because of its increasing popularity - more than 40 new members have enrolled this year, giving a total membership of nearly 200 people from Honiton and the surrounding area.Heather Penwarden, committee member of the society, said: "We give a bursary every year but we have been able to give an extra special one this year through taking on extra members."In the past we have given bursaries to individual young adults but we thought it would be nice to reach a wider group of young people."We are absolutely delighted to do this and find somewhere in Honiton where we can support youth art."Masterpieces, which currently has ten members, has proved both a hit with students, parents and, obviously, the local art society!Deborah Smith, gallery assistant, said: "We are very grateful for the funding. "It is great so many people have considered giving money to children interested in the arts."Everybody who comes loves it and they are very enthusiastic. "The group has arranged several visits, including a trip to Tate Britain, in London, and different activities and workshops in the gallery." Although it has not yet been decided how the money will be used, it is likely that it will fund a trip for the youth group to visit Tate St Ives.Deborah added: "The trip is organised for the spring and the group will be introduced to the St Ives youth group. "It is an exchange trip so the children will bring lots of ideas back, which will help them decide how they want to run their group."Anyone who would like more information on the group is encouraged to ring the curator of the gallery on (01404) 45006.For further information on Honiton Decorative and Fine Arts Society please contact Heather on (01404) 45360.