You are never too old to turn your hand to something new.

These works of art were created by elderly residents at Burges Court in Thorpe Bay, near Southend.

After talking to residents, warden Laurel Harrison realised that the sheltered accommodation complex was an unappreciated hotbed of artistic talent.

So residents, some as old as 80, were invited to display their wares at the Station Road home.

The exhibition included embroidery, paintings and even the dying art of marquetry, where wood is sculpted into a picture.

With time on their hands, retirement allowed some residents to discover they had hidden artistic ways.

While for others it was the chance to hone a lifetime of acquired skills and interests.

Ms Harrison said: "It's a way of getting everybody to talk about their hobbies and interests."

Talent - Lilian Barnard-Jones, Margaret Wilson and Richard Nosworthy display their skills

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.