FORMER shadow home secretary Ann Widdecombe came face-to-face with her likeness at the weekend when she viewed a portrait painted in her image by an Olveston artist.

Miss Widdecombe, who was in the area to open the Thornbury Arts Festival on Friday, made a quick stop to check out the piece by Angus Macaskill, which had been displayed on the gates of his home to welcome the former politician.

The one-time Strictly Come Dancing contestant complimented Mr Macaskill’s work, saying it was “very amusing”, also paying compliments to the village, saying it “looked a lovely place to live”.

The portrait was of an image Mr Macaskill had found of Miss Widdecombe alongside David Dimbleby during Question Time.

After the viewing, Miss Widdecombe went on to open the festival by giving an evening talk at the Armstrong Hall.

Many described the evening as “lively and engaging” as she went through a series fascinating anecdotes about her career in politics and her outgoing participation in the media, with her sense of humour shone throughout with carefully timed punchlines.

The audience came up with a wide range of well selected questions, which Miss Widdecombe fielded with her keen sense of logic, not perturbed by those who disagreed, showing a compassionate side and always ending on a light note.

To find out more about festival, what is on, and how to buy tickets, visit www.thornburyartsfestival.com or ask in Thornbury Town Hall.