Harbour House is the venue for the brightest, most cheerful exhibition imaginable in the dark, drizzly days of winter.

Primary Colours, the annual celebration of children's creative talents, opens at the Kingsbridge gallery on Saturday 19 January.

Twelve local primary schools have contributed drawings, paintings, collage and printmaking, and sculpture in its many forms.

"Art is a broad subject, feeding into many areas of the primary school curriculum. Some of the work in the exhibition shows a high degree of observation and concentration, or a mastery of sophisticated processes and techniques, while other pieces sing out with the sheer unbounded enthusiasm and enjoyment of the creative process," Harbour House said a press statement.

"For many local, adult, artists it is this truly uninhibited, creative work that makes the annual Primary Colours exhibition so inspirational.

"Picasso recognised this when he said, 'Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up'."

An added highlight of this year's Primary Colours exhibition takes place on the opening day, when local author Michael Elsmere launches his new novel. An adventure story, Rufus and the Biggest Diamond in the World is aimed at young readers in the 9-14 age range, and Michael will give readings every hour from 11am until 3pm.

Harbour House says it is grateful to Kingsbridge Town Council for its contribution to the cost of staging the exhibition.

Cllr Bob Freeman said: "The Town Council is, once again, very happy to give support to the Primary School Art Exhibition, and we believe that every encouragement should be given to these gifted young children. Their enthusiasm and depth of talent is truly amazing, and I would urge you all to come and view the varied works of art which, I am sure, you will find to be a most rewarding and enjoyable experience."

Harbour House says it would also like to thank the band of cheerful volunteers who act as unpaid gallery stewards, and who allow this important exhibition to flourish from year to year.

The annual Primary Colours exhibition opens at Harbour House in Kingsbridge on Saturday 19 January. Opening times will be 10am until 5pm, Monday to Saturday, until the close of the show on Wednesday 6 February. Admission is free.