FUNKY festive presents are being made by a team of unemployed young people as a popular art gallery returns to Middlesbrough.

Gallery TS1 is an arts apprenticeship scheme that was first held during the summer holidays.

The project aims to motivate and inspire youngsters through creative arts opportunities, revealing talent and building self-confidence.

Since the summer, many of the original 25 trainees have gained jobs or moved on to further training.

A few have been invited back to work again in the open air gallery, which is in the town's bus station.

Juliet Farrar, of Middlesbrough Council's culture services team, who initiated the project, said: "Gallery TS1 brings together a variety of training to provide a unique experience that has a direct impact on the participants' skills."

Several of the artists who helped in the summer will return to the two-week programme, which is guided by Tees Valley Arts.

Gallery TS1 is funded by Middlesbrough Council, the Arts Council North-East and Tees Valley Arts.

Project co-ordinator Mike McGrother said: "The fact that we have been asked to re-open the gallery is fantastic.

"The public response over the summer was very positive and we far exceeded our own income targets.

"This time, the returning group get to add marketing and sales skills to their growing artistic ability."

All items produced in the workshop are sold at the on-site gallery shop, open from 10am to 4pm daily.

Published: 20/12/2004