ONE of the world's most famous paintings has been recreated - on an ostrich egg.

The replica of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, painted by Renaissance artist Michaelangelo, was the highlight of the Egg Crafters Guild of Britain's northern convention, held in St Aidan's College, Durham, on Sunday.

While most people's passion for eggs extends no further than hitting them with a teaspoon and dipping in toast, a guild member will spend painstaking hours turning one into a thing of beauty.

The recreation of Michaelangelo's finest work was one of more than 100 eggs on display, by 65 exhibitors from Holland and across the North-East.

Joan Cutts, of North Shields, Tyneside, the founder and president of the guild, said: "It has been an excellent day, with a good turnout and some beautiful eggs."

The Faberge-style pieces can take between two weeks to several months to design and decorate. Some are even fitted with hinges and layered with material inside.

They include larger eggs from birds such as the ostrich and emu, through to small budgerigars' eggs.

The northern convention usually takes place in York and will be back there next autumn.

But Mrs Cutts said the group was planning to come back to Durham soon.

She said: "All the staff have been very helpful and it is a lovely part of the world."