THE latest work of a group of local artists will be viewed by visitors from across the globe in coming weeks.

Chester-le-Street Art Society is staging a display of some of its members' more recent creations at Durham University's Botanic Garden.

A total of 43 paintings, a mix of oils, watercolours and acryl-ics, featuring landscapes, portraits and other studies, have gone on show in the garden's visitor centre.

More than 20 society members have contributed to the exhibition, which will remain on show for the coming four weeks.

Secretary Olive Norwood said it was an excellent chance to showcase the work of the society to a wide audience.

"The botanic centre gets a lot of visitors at this time of year from all parts, and we hope they'll take the chance to have a look at some of the paintings in the exhibition.

"Other than one or two of the paintings, which members want to keep for personal or sentimental reasons, they are all available for sale."

New members, from novice upwards, keen to express their artistic side, are welcome to attend the society's weekly meetings, at Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle Bank, every Wednesday, from 7pm to 9pm.

The exhibition can be viewed daily at the Botanic Garden, on Hollingside Lane, off South Road, Durham, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is £1.75 for adults, £1 for concessions, or 50p for children aged five to 16.

Published: 29/05/2004