AN exhibition of stunning watercolours by a retired headteacher has gone on show in Easington Village.

It is the fourth exhibition of work by Ken Charlton, who was born in Shotton Colliery and now lives with his wife in Billingham.

Displayed in the Long Gallery at the Discovery Centre, Seaton Holme, Mr Charlton's collection of watercolours depict dozens of local beauty spots as well as some foreign scenes. Several have already won national acclaim in art competitions.

His interest in drawing and painting began while he was a pupil at Shotton Hall Junior School.

Following National Service in the RAF he trained to be a teacher at Bede College in Durham. His teaching career spanned 28 years the last 15 of which as headteacher at Hurworth School, near Darlington.

On retirement in 1995, he returned to painting, mainly landscapes, with some architectural and coastal subjects encountered on travels at home and abroad.

"While making sketches on location, I also take photographs to capture fine details and what can be very rapid changes in tone and colour,'' he said.

Although Mr Charlton has seen considerable competition success with his work, he said he has gained as much satisfaction from donating paintings to raise funds for the Butterwick Hospice, in Stockton, and this year for the local branch of Save the Children.

The exhibition runs until August 23.

Published: 23/07/2004