A LOCAL artist's moving displays are being exhibited in a national showcase.

Ivybridge based Andrew Miller, 53, spent five weeks with troops from Plymouth in Afghanistan last year. He is the official Royal Marines war artist, and produced a range of sketches during his posting with 3 Commando Brigade, Plymouth.

His sketches from the front line have been combined women from Plymouth while on tour in Afghanistan.

Andrew said: 'I produced detailed sketch books to record the operations of the marines in Camp Bastion, task force headquarters in Lashkagar and out in the forward operational bases and checkpoints.

'I prefer working out of doors so as to be able to capture the essence of the scenery and to inspire a vigorous response to the changing moods of the elements.'

The exhibition was officially opened at Plymouth Central Library on Thursday, January 26, by military and civil dignitaries and will be opened to the public on Monday, February 6.

The exhibition has been endorsed by General Sir David Richards, the head of Britain's armed forces.

It has also won admiration from former EastEnders actor Ross Kemp, who has made programmes from Afghanistan covering the lives of troops out there.

The exhibition and sales of the original artwork will raise money for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund and the Not Forgotten Association, which both support injured service personnel and the families of those killed in action.

Shoulder 2 Shoulder – Delivering the Offer will also be exhibited at the Exeter Guildhall from February 10 to 17; Barnstaple's Pannier Market from February 20 to 25; The Royal Marine Reserves' base in Wandsworth, South London from March 28 to 30; and at Portsmouth's Royal Marines Museum from April 2 to 20.

For further information on the exhibition visit http://www.shoulder">www.shoulder 2shoulder.co.uk.with a host of photographic images to create the exhibition entitled Shoulder 2 Shoulder - Delivering the Offer.

The exhibition paints a unique view of the lives of servicemen and