AN artist who draws inspiration from the spiritual world has set up in business.

Lana Grabinskis does not create the most conventional pencil drawings when clients come to her for a portrait.

Instead the mother-of three, from the Bishop Auckland area, uses her skills as a medium to draw what she says is a "spiritual picture" of her subject.

"I look into their eyes and see through them - I get spiritual guidance and the finished picture isn't the normal run of the mill portrait," said the 41-year-old.

"I have drawn people's ancestors or loved ones who have passed away - it depends on the person in front of me. I tell them the whole time about what I feel or see and why I'm drawing what I am - like a clairvoyant."

Ms Grabinskis comes from an artistic family - her father paints using watercolours and her brother uses oil paints. It was about ten years ago that she realised she had psychic powers.

"I have drawn a lot of people and the results have shocked me. I drew one person as an Indian and another as a 15th century monk - both of which could be traced back in their ancestry."

As well as drawing, she also undertakes "soul rescue" work, tackling problem spirits such as poltergeists, and is planning to raise money for the tsunami disaster by holding a spiritual night next month with medium Mike Reid, from York.

Ms Grabinskis has set up a business based at her home in High Etherley, with the support of North-East company Inbiz.

"I found out about Inbiz through the Job Centre and am working on a six month programme, with an advisor in Bishop Auckland, to see whether my business will take off," she said.

Ms Grabinskis charges £20 for one session, which lasts between 30 minutes and an hour. For more information, call 07944 310130