THE town's reputation as a burgeoning hub for the arts gathers force with the opening of three new exhibitions this week.

The World of Glass will stage two exhibitions, The Bigger Picture and Stand by your Jam.

Both opening on Saturday (May 23), The Bigger Picture is a collection of work by local artists united in the fact that each piece is bigger than one metre high. It is a mix of traditional and contemporary art.

Stand by your Jam is created by the ladies of the St Helens Women's Institute and charts the history of the organisation as well as its modern face.

Over at St Helens College students have opened their end of year art show. Entitled 'Vortex' it includes photography, graphic design and fine art painting and is on the top floor of the SmithKline Beecham building.

Both exhibitions at The World of Glass are on until Friday, July 17 and at St Helens College until Friday, June 5.