THIS dazzling display of art is all the more remarkable because the work has been created entirely by blind people.

The Visually Impaired Art Group has been meeting in Clacton for six years.

It has given artists with eyesight problems the chance to prove their disability is not enough to stifle their incredible skills.

Ten creative members meet regularly, helped by dedicated volunteers. Now their work is on display in Clacton for the first time, with an exhibition at the West Cliff Theatre throughout July.

The group was launched by artist Jan Fallows, who spotted the need while she was working at the Essex Blind Charity.

She said: “In a lot of cases, people who are visually impaired suffer in isolation.

“There are not many facilities for them and they need a social meeting place where they can meet people going through the same thing.

“I really believe art can be used as a form of therapy, but more than that, they can create some really wonderful pieces, which is proved at this exhibition.”

Jan uses a range of techniques to help the artists create their work, including using tactile materials to build up the canvas and give outlines a physical feel.

She added: “This is confidence building and I think the artists surprise themselves with what they can do.

“Some may have had classes before and stopped going when they lost their vision, while others are complete beginners. It’s all about finding different techniques and adapting.

"This disability shouldn’t stop anyone doing what they love. They just have to find a different way of doing it and maybe thinking outside the box.

“It’s important for them to have this outlet and it’s incredibly uplifting to see them work, not to mention the fantastic results.”

Sadly, the exhibition marks the end of the group, which is disbanding.

Jan said she had achieved her goal of bringing the artists together and giving them renewed confidence in their work, but she will still be giving private lessons.