EAST Lothian artist and gallery owner Fiona Crombie has taken over the helm of the Poldrate Arts and Crafts Centre (PACC) in Haddington.

Fiona, owner of the Seashore Gallery in Cockenzie, has taught 'stained glass' workshops at the Haddington centre for the past 25 years and succeeds Cynthia Hay as the new chairperson of the PACC's management committee.

"I am looking forward to developing the PACC, with the aid of the new committee, so the whole community can benefit from a wide selection of arts and craft classes, workshops, exhibitions and lectures," said Fiona.

"The PACC has great facilities thanks to the Lamp of Lothian Trust." New classes with local artists such as Ronnie Fulton from Pitclay Gallery, near North Berwick, glass artist Anita Pate from East Linton, and Anne Frost from Sew In Stitches in Aberlady feature in the PACC's packed autumn programme, beginning on September 28.

Plans are also underway to run a variety of children's and youth art and craft classes in January, a summer arts programme with lectures and demonstrations from visiting artists, and a series of exhibitions from county-based talents.

Anyone interested in finding out more is invited to attend the PACC's open/enrolment day on September 13, between 1pm and 3.30pm. Visitors will be able to meet with tutors, view their work and find out more about the future plans for the centre.

For more details, contact 01875 813032 or visit www.pacc.org.uk.