ARTIST Miranda Petersen is bracing herself for local reaction to her first exhibition on home soil.

A display of her paintings and decorated mirrors went on show at Chester-le-Street Library this week.

The Chester-le-Street-based artist said it was the first time she had shown her work in her home town. She said: "I've exhibited my paintings in Newcastle before, but this the first occasion I've displayed them in Chester-le-Street.

"It's a chance for my friends to come along and see some of my recent work."

The exhibition features eight paintings and ten of Miranda's intricate decorated mirrors.

All the items are available for sale at the end of the week.

Miranda, 31, graduated in fine art from Carlisle College of Art in 1996, and then completed a design and foundation course at Cleveland College of Art.

The exhibition is open from 9.30am until 7pm this Friday, and from 9am until 1pm on Saturday.