A 6FT portrait of Peter Mandelson will be the focus of an art exhibition due to open on Teesside next month.

Hartlepool MP Mr Mandelson will attend the preview of an exhibition of paintings by Nahem Shoa, which includes the painting from the MP's private collection.

It is hoped the exhibition, at Hartlepool Art Gallery, which is open from Saturday, April 24, to Sunday, June 6, will attract national attention.

Mr Shoa prefers to work from life instead of photographs. His paintings draw on a diverse range of cultural influences and some of his portraits take 100 hours to complete.

Mr Shoa has been friends with Geoff Crannedge, head of art at St Hild's School, in Hartlepool, for many years and has worked with the school's pupils.

Admission to the gallery is free. Call (01429) 869706 for details.

Published: ??/??/2004