A PHOTOGRAPHY business has won an exclusive contract to market hand-painted photographic portraits by a US company.

Durham-based Studio 10 UK has secured the UK rights to the portraits, which are made using techniques used to add colour to early Hollywood films.

Husband-and-wife team David and Lauren Smith won the contract from LC Inc.

Mr Smith said: "Everyone who sees these portraits thinks they are amazing. They have to be seen to be appreciated. We are really delighted to secure the US agreement."

LC Inc employs former Hollywood studio artists to paint the photos, which will be taken by Studio 10 UK.

The company, which specialise in wedding photos, will be previewing the portraits at Gateshead's MetroCentre later this year.

It received help to secure the contract from Business Link County Durham.