Moroccan-born Naima Zouhali-Worrall moved to England in 1978 with her English husband.

For the past 12 years, she has been designing hats, jewellery and clothes, selling them at places such as Charleston Farmhouse.

Last year, she began painting as a way to express her feelings towards her country of origin.

"Through this expression, I explore the Moroccan culture, landscape and sentiment that surrounded me while I was growing up."

In her art, Zouhali-Worrall conveys something of the mystery and ambiguity of spiritual beliefs, both within and without Islam, that is an important influence for her.

"I have always held a strong belief in the spiritual. I have tried to portray this sense of spiritual connection with others."

The role of women, too, has informed her work. "I feel that basic inequality between the sexes continues all over the world but it touched me most when I was in Morocco."

Zouhali-Worrall has therefore decided to donate a percentage of sales of these paintings to a Moroccan charity, Solidarite Feminine.

Set up in 1985 by seven activists, the charity works to support single mothers, who are perhaps the most marginalised women in Morocco.

Zouhali-Worrall explains: "Impoverished, scorned and socially excluded, these women are often forced to abandon their children.

"They live in fear and shame, often giving birth in critical conditions, avoiding hospitals where they may be branded as a prostitute due to the low regard the society has for sex outside of marriage."

As well as raising awareness of single mothers and the abandonment of children in Morocco, the charity strives to reintegrate them into society and offers legal aid and psychological support.

It also places an emphasis on training the women and helps them to return to work.

All the paintings on display at Simultane are for sale. Call 01273 818061 for more information.