A WELL-KNOWN broadcaster and prominent Jewish leader, Rabbi Lionel Blue, has opened a university's art exhibition.

He launched the display of North-East seascapes by Mick Oxley, at Durham University's Grey College last night.

The rabbi, who is a visiting fellow at the college, is best known for his contributions to BBC Radio's Thought for the Day.

He said: "I'm delighted to have been asked to open this wonderful exhibition. It's a delightful body of work and I'd encourage anyone interested in art, especially seascapes, to attend."

Rabbi Blue is staying at the college until the end of this month. He is writing a book and leading a number of seminars.

The exhibition includes 60 paintings of Northumberland seascapes - all of them for sale.

Mr Oxley, of Craster, on the Northumberland coast, has been painting for eight years and his work has been displayed throughout the country.

The exhibition will be open every day, until June 29. Weekday viewing is by appointment only. To arrange a visit, contact Joyce Dover on 0191-334-5565.

More of Mr Oxley's work can be viewed at www.mickoxley. com