A SHOP showcasing the talents of County Durham artists aims to help talented people with learning difficulties.

The Pace Shop, which stands for People Accessing the Community and Environment, has officially opened.

It was formally opened by Councillor Alan Fenwick, the chairman of Durham County Council, at a ceremony at the premises in the Thames Centre, Newton Aycliffe.

The shop will have a gallery, to display work, and a workshop for exhibitors to pass on their skills.

Manager Brian Foster said: "For a long time, we've looked at the fact that the artwork from people with learning disabilities is as valuable as anybody else's.

"This is one area where people with learning disabilities can compete.

" A lot of their artwork has been in exhibitions over the years, but we needed a gallery to sell it."

In return for local artists exhibiting work in the gallery, they will be asked to stage workshops on the premises.

The shop will also be operating an Art Loan scheme, which has generated a lot of interest.

Local businesses will be able to display original artwork for sale on their walls, for no fee initially.

If it takes off, the shop will consider imposing a small charge.

Mr Foster said: "This is really different from traditional day care and quite radical, where people running the shop have a large say in what goes on."

For more information on the Pace Shop and Art Loan, contact Martin Hughes on (01388) 816878 or Brian Foster on (01325) 300259.