RUFFLED feathers have been smoothed in a village about to be thrust into the limelight as host to an exhibition by artists from around the world.

Former Turner Prize judge Greville Worthington is promoting Some Versions of Light, which opens at the former telephone repeater station in Brompton-on-Swale, on the edge of the A1 near Richmond, on May 18.

Work by celebrated American James Turrell and former Turner nominees Catherine Yass and Sam Taylor Wood is included in the exhibition, sponsored by the Tees Valley office of stockbrokers and financial advisors Wise Speke.

However, all the artists are using light as their medium and neighbours say that the effect has been to drive local birdlife away and give dogs something to bark at after dark.

Martin Richman's five metre high Stairway sculpture, erected on the roof has drawn particular criticism, although an eight metre neon will also be attached to an outside wall ahead of a private viewing of the exhibition for invited guests, planned for Saturday.

Because of the residents' concerns, Mr Worthington has sent letters to all neighbouring addresses, assuring them any disturbance will be kept to a minimum.

"The Stairway sculpture has also been switched off at night," said resident Alan Bennett.

"We have nothing against the use of the station as an arts venue and it certainly looks much better since it has been restored.

"I accept the sculpture will probably have to be switched on again for the exhibition but we don't see why it had to stay on all night, disturbing people's sleep.

"We certainly welcome the compromise but will be keeping a close eye on what happens during the exhibition.''

Mr Worthington said the exhibition was an important event for the region's artistic community.

He said: "The bulbs were switched on overnight to check the light levels, but could be timed to turn off late at night if they really cause offence.''

Some Versions of Light runs at the old repeater station on the village's Gatherley Road from Tuesday, May 18, until Tuesday, June 22. Admission is free.