AN artform believed to date from an early period of human civilisation was displayed by modern-day craftspeople over the weekend.

Visitors to the National Glass Centre, in Sunderland, admired the work of three North-East engravers.

Members of the Guild of Glass Engravers, Dawn Douglas, from Seaham, County Durham, Ursula Lind, from Darras Hall, Northumberland, and Adrian Atkinson, of Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire, exhibited distinctive, creative designs.

Their demonstrations, which were watched by members of the public in the foyer of the centre, will be repeated this weekend as part of the national celebration of glass art, Glassweek.

The guild acts as a source of information to the public on all aspects of glass-engraving, and advises the growing number of enthusiasts and institutions wanting to order pieces.

Commissions range from architectural glass, including windows, panels and doors, to smaller-scale, more personal gifts.

Anne Roxborough, the centre's in-house engraver, who runs weekend classes in the art, said: "It is a little-known part of glass production. It is thought to date from pre-Roman times, probably to Mesopotamia.

"Effectively, it is as old as glass itself.

"But it is starting to become better known as an artform in its own right."

Glassweek will be celebrated throughout the school half-term holiday, with events and workshops for families at the centre, off Dame Dorothy Avenue, on the north bank of the River Wear.

It is open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Further information is available by calling the centre on 0191-515 5555.