JEAN WALKER has been making dolls for more than 70 years, and worldwide demand for her creations has left buyers facing a two-year wait.

To give everyone a chance to view her exquisite works of art, Ms Walker, 80, from Billingham, is holding an exhibition at the Discovery Centre, in Seaton Holme, Easington Village.

Ms Walker, who creates dolls of all nationalities, specialises in oriental models, having been fascinated by Eastern culture and costumes since childhood.

The exhibition depicts the costumes and artefacts from the time of the Silk Route through to the Chinese revolution last century.

Every part of the dolls, including their clothes and accessories, are hand-crafted by Ms Walker.

She has researched all of the costumes with help from the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. in London. as well as Durham University's Oriental Museum.

As a member of the Doll Artisan Guild, she has attended conventions and competitions throughout Europe and the US, and has won four top awards, seven best in categories and 22 Blue Ribbons.

Prior to her retirement 15 years ago, she was a lecturer at Darlington College of Technology.

Some of her dolls are limited editions and can be commissioned, although she said she has a waiting list of up to two years. Even at the age of 80, she never turns down a chance to learn skills, and has recently taken up silk painting to enable her to create the specialist designs she needs.

Entry to the exhibition, which runs until June 1, is free.