A BOOK showcasing the talents of those with mental health problems has been launched.

Professor Antony Sheehan, chief executive of the National Institute for Mental Health in England and the Department of Health's head of mental health, launched Reflections at Durham's Ramside Hall Hotel.

Featuring art and photography by those who have experienced mental illness, it was compiled by the Breakthrough organisation.

The book was launched as part of a Mental Health Positive Practice Conference, co-hosted by Breakthrough and the South of Tyne and Wearside Mental Health NHS Trust.

Tony Russell, co-director of Breakthrough, said: "The creative arts have an important role to play in helping people who have experienced mental distress.

"Producing a poem, painting, drawing or photograph that is appreciated by others can induce tremendous feelings of self-worth.

"The book contains positive images of the mental health world and, more importantly, features works of talent in their own right."