A volunteer-run arts centre in Wymondham has pulled in over 5,000 visitors to exhibitions and concerts in its first three months.The centre was created by the Wymondham Arts Forum, which leased the grade 1-listed Becket's Chapel and turned it into an exhibition space and live venue.

A volunteer-run arts centre in Wymondham has pulled in over 5,000 visitors to exhibitions and concerts in its first three months.

The centre was created by the Wymondham Arts Forum, which leased the grade 1-listed Becket's Chapel and turned it into an exhibition space and live venue.

In its short history the venue has already held 7 professional art exhibitions, as well as hosting work by local schoolchildren from Robert Kett Junior School and Wymondham High School.

Live events have also been hosted, including two choir concerts and a music and poetry event. Events are booked almost continuously from now until mid-October.

'Becket's Chapel has exceeded all our hopes and is doing just what we intended by providing a meeting place for local artists and arts enthusiasts,' said John Wood, the Wymondham Arts Forum chairman.

'It is helping to raise the profile of the arts in town, and is proving to be a big attraction for tourists who pass its door on their way from the Market Cross to the Abbey. The location is ideal.'

Becket's Chapel was built in 1174 and was used as a school and a library before being converted into an arts centre.

The building has been leased for six months from its owners, the Wymondham Old Grammar School Foundation. During these six months the Foundation will assess its suitability for permanent use.

The arts centre is open seven days a week, from 10am to 4pm, and is staffed by volunteers.