The magic of Christmas is alive at a festive exhibition at Oxford Castle.

The O3 Gallery is hosting a series of paintings by city painter and print-maker Flora McLachlan.

Many of the gallery’s images were inspired by ancient English myths, which she studied during her English degree at Oxford University.

She said: “The idea of the forest and creatures within it as a totally exclusive world has always fascinated me.

“I am never happier than when wandering in woods, but real ones always seem to have edges, ends. Mine have not.”

Gallery manager Helen Statham said: “We have been really delighted with the public’s response to the exhibition.

“The theme is wintry forests and frozen pools, so we feel it is very fitting for this time of year, and Flora is a rising star in the art world.”

Artist Feng Ho, 31, from Iffley, pictured at the exhibition, said: “It is a very magical and whimsical collection which kind of reminds me of a Swedish or Scandinavian Christmas.”

The exhibition runs until January 8 from noon to 5pm in the week, to 7pm on Thursday and from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.