FORMER Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe is due to visit Olveston to see a mural featuring her own image.

The painting is the work of village artist Angus Macaskill, who is well known for creating pictures when inspired by what’s in the news and displaying them on the gates of his Churchill House home for passers-by to see.

His latest piece was triggered by Ann Widdecombe’s involvement in Thornbury Arts Festival, which she will formally open on Friday, May 5, in the town’s Armstrong Hall.

The special guest will then give a talk about her life both inside Parliament and after leaving the House of Commons, which includes her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.

When told about the mural, Miss Widdecombe was keen to see it and plans to drop by on Friday before heading into Thornbury for the evening show.

Mr Macaskill, who has created a number of topical paintings featuring famous faces said that he hoped she approves of his piece, as it will be the first time one of his subjects will see his work.

He said: “I went through a wide selection of images, including from Miss Widdecombe’s time on Strictly," eventually having chosen a shot of her alongside David Dimbleby, speaking on Question Time.

"I chose a pose that showed her doing what she does best, making a point, so it will be interesting to see what she makes of it.”

The festival continues until May 13 with the Reduced Shakespeare Company comedy team, folk singer Cara Dillon, fertility expert Professor Robert Winston, electric string band Stringfever and Squashbox Theatre’s Sea Show among the highlights.