NEWS SHOPPER readers in Catford will have noticed the war of words raging over the area. It all started in December when a Canadian visitor wrote to the paper saying Catford was the worst place she'd ever been, labelling the town Crap-ford.

Since then council bosses and politicians have fought back, insisting the town has great prospects and a lot to offer.

Meanwhile the debate has dominated the letters page with residents either defending or despising their neighbourhood.

A story on Leisure's front page today illustrates how Catford's Broadway Theatre is a hub for art and culture.

Now a respected artist has joined the battle, supporting her adopted home town.

Teffany Osbourne has been a professional artist since 1980, after graduating from Slade Art School with first-class honours.

Teffany has lived in Catford for nine years and says the area inspires many of her pictures.

Her garden adjoins Mountsfield Park, which features in images such as Snow On the Hill (pictured).

She said: " I hope my pictures might help people to see the beauty around them and take pride in their neighbourhood."

She added: "I love living here, Catford really does have a sense of place and identity.

"The most valuable thing it has is its community."

But the artist, who works with chalks, oils and watercolours, agrees with those who say there is much room for improvement.

She says: "Regeneration is essential. It will be worth every penny. People here deserve it."

An exhibiton of Teffany's works opens on February 21 at Eltham College, Grove Park Road, Mottingham. Entry is free, to arrange viewing call the college on 020 8857 5827.