WEARDALE artists have an extra showcase for their talents.

Hilary Armstrong, MP for North-West Durham, performed the opening ceremony at the Serendipity cafe and gallery in the Market Place, Wolsingham, where glass artist Maralyn O'Keefe and her husband Ron have collected a range of North-East artwork.

The gallery is the couple's second. They decided to set it up after having to turn artists away from their Glass and Art Gallery in Consett, which opened five years ago.

The business has the backing of the Northumbria Tourist Board and will be granted national tourist attraction status, meaning that visitors will be guided by distinctive brown and white signs.

Ms Armstrong, who is also the Government Chief Whip, said: "I have visited the Consett gallery regularly since it opened and I am pleased that a second outlet is opening in Wolsingham. I am sure it will be a great success, bringing new visitors to the town and providing local artists with a chance to show their work. It is also a lovely place for local people to come and have a look around."