A COMMUNITY centre played host to amateur and professional bonsai artists from all over the country.

The Swindon and District Bonsai Society provided the venue for the national final of the amateur bonsai competition.

This formed part of their Winter Image show, an annual exhibition of bonsai trees at the Coleview Community Centre in Towcester Road.

Secretary for the Swindon and District Bonsai Society, Reg Bolton, said: "In a way it is an advertisement of what the hobby is about.

"You can take a piece of growing material and turn it into a miniature tree."

Locals joined bonsai professionals to watch six of the best amateur bonsai artists in the country compete for the national title.

And the winner, Paul Finch, from Essex, will now progress to the European Bonsai Convention in Vienna in April, one of the most important bonsai events in Europe.

There was also the chance to view exhibitions by members of bonsai clubs from Swindon, Eastleigh, Swansea, Cardiff, North Yorkshire and Wessex.

The work ranged from beginner standard to pieces painstakingly put together over the last 30 years.

Mr Bolton said: "It can be a bit off putting for people to see. They think oh god I can't do that. We're trying to promote the hobby in this area.

"There is a great social atmosphere - in bonsai we're all friends together and it's not just an old man's hobby."

The Swindon and District Bonsai Society meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the Coleview Community Centre.

Anyone interested in joining can call Mr Bolton on 01793 822470 or visit the society website at www.swindon-bonsai.co.uk.