GAVIN and Stacey actor Steffan Rhodri will be unveiling a new exhibition of paintings by Swansea hospital kidney patients.

Mr Rhodri, who plays Dave Coaches in the TV comedy, will be at Swansea's Grand Theatre next Monday for the evening opening. The display is due to run until March 19.

People facing lengthy life-saving dialysis treatment at Morriston Hospital's renal annexe are being taught how to paint by art therapists.

The programme is being rolled out at the hospital's renal department following funding from the Renal Patients' Trust Fund.

Dean Packman, nephrology service manager at Morriston Hospital, said: "The feedback we've had from patients about the project has been very positive.

"Patients need dialysis for up to four hours, three times a week, which means they spend a lot of time in our department.

"It's great to be able to offer them a creative and pleasurable way of using this time."

Patients say they have been amazed at the art they have been able to produce.

Renal patient Val Duggan said: "The Art on Dialysis programme has given me a new outlook and hobby."

And fellow patient Gerald Saunders added: "I thoroughly enjoy it and, after seven years of dialysis, I now have something to look forward to."