THE Jurassic Coast will be under the spotlight in a new exhibition.

Landscapes by local artist Colin Bentley will be on display at the Symondsbury Estate's Tithe Barn for an exhibition hosted by the Jurassic Coast Trust.

It is the second in a series of three as part of a collaborative project between Colin and the trust, which will eventually encompass all 95 miles of the world heritage site, spanning Exmouth to Swanage.

In the latest exhibition, iconic coastal landscapes from west Dorset, including Lyme Regis, Golden Cap and West Bay will be on display.

Alexandra O'Dwyer, chairman of the Jurassic Coast Trust, said: "Colin Bentley's passion for the Jurassic Coast shines out of his paintings, while his talents as an artist is equally matched by his generosity as a supporter of the Jurassic Coast Trust.

"Working with him is a delight as he has integrated brilliantly into our group of ambassadors, he gets involved in much that we do as an organisation and his fundraising has already been a fantastic contribution to our work. "We are all looking forward to this year's exhibition and seeing Colin's interpretation of west Dorset's spectacular landscapes housed in Symondsbury Estate's beautiful Tithe Barn, a perfect location for these atmospheric canvases."

To inspire his artwork, Colin, has worked with the Jurassic Coast Trust's local volunteer ambassadors, from whom he has drawn on their geological expertise to bring the coast to life in his works.

Alongside the coastal landscapes will be portraits of each of the ambassadors Colin has worked with.

Colin said: "As a landscape painter, I'm spoilt for choice when it comes to finding spectacular landscapes to paint, and Dorset's stretch of the Jurassic Coast doesn't disappoint.

"This collection is the accumulation of more than a year's work and is my largest exhibition to date.

"It's been an absolute privilege to work with the Jurassic Coast Trust, and I can't wait to share my work with everyone, and to do my little bit to help look after this place that we all love."

The project began with an exhibition in Sidmouth last year, which attracted thousands of visitors and raised more than £8,000 for the trust.

Part of the proceeds from sales of this year's artwork will once again be donated to the trust to help with the upkeep and conservation of the world heritage site.

Alexandra said: "We are hoping to welcome many visitors to the exhibition which will appeal to art enthusiasts and collectors as well as to lovers of the Jurassic Coast.

"The money raised from sales of the artwork contributes to the trust's work looking after our world heritage site for all to enjoy, as a small charity with a huge responsibility, these funds are absolutely crucial and hugely appreciated."

Colin's work will be displayed at Tithe Barn from Sunday, October 21 until Wednesday, October 24, open daily from 10am to 5pm.

For more information, visit jurassiccoast.org/events/jurassic-coast-art-exhibition