RICHARD Cooper has been going to All Saints’ Church in Shrub End, Colchester, all his life.

So it’s no surprise he has written a book about the church’s 170- year history.

He frequently allows members of the Friends of All Saint’s Church to congregate in his home in King Harold Road, Colchester, and dabbles in the odd spot of church flower arranging.

He said: “The church is home. I made a lot of friends here. It is part of me.”

It’s clear the church has something which draws the community to it.

In addition to its regular use, once a year the church becomes an art gallery.

Now in its 30th year, the fiveday event attracts around 500 visitors and nearly 100 artists who exhibit hundreds of paintings, raising thousands of pounds for church funds.

This year no fewer than 400 paintings will be for sale with a percentage going to church funds. Robin Webb, church warden, said: “We feel we are fairly unique in that we make it so easy for the artists to come in.”

On the second day of the event, there will be demonstrations by East Anglian artists Reg Siger and Bryan Rowland.

This year, for the first time, a competition has been launched to create a painting to be hung in the church.

A committee headed by the Bishop of Colchester, the Rt Rev Roger Morris, will judge the entries, which should be on the theme of Christianity.

The winning entry will be on show during the exhibition and will serve as a fitting reminder of the church’s role in the community.

The Rev Nicholas Davis came to the church ten years ago from central London.

“I didn’t knowColchester when I arrived, but I found it enjoyable.

It is different to my experiences in London because of this traditional connection to the community.

“It always amazes me how you meet someone and they know someone you do. There are connections all over the place,” he said.

Mr Davis said what kept the church community thriving was its strong links with the community, with links to primary schools, the many baptisms and weddings it holds and, of course, the art exhibition.

He said: “It brings people through the door who might not come generally.

“We should encourage people into the church to fulfil their own ministry within the community – taking their own faith out and serving people in the area. That is my role and the purpose of the church.”

Last year the church held eight weddings, 14 funerals and 12 baptisms.

However, it is still the Sunday service he enjoys the most.

To coincide with the church’s 170th anniversary, Richard Cooper’s book, Shrub End Looking Back, first published in 1998, has been reprinted.

It was written and compiled by Mr Cooper and Geoff Pettit who collected the memories of parishioners.

It is on sale for £5 and proceeds will also be donated to the church.

To enter the painting competition visit the vicarage, at 270 Shrub End Road, Colchester, or call 01206 765145.

The art exhibition opening times are: Thursday April 30, 7.30pm to 9pm. Friday, May 1, 6pm to 9pm with painting demonstrations.

Saturday, May 2, 10am to 6pm. Sunday, May 3, 2pm to 6pm, and