AN exhibition of art by a former shipwright is proving to be one of the star attractions at a North-East museum this winter.

The Shipshape exhibition at Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, features works by James Dodds, who has based his art on his experiences working in the shipbuilding industry in East Anglia.

Mr Dodds later went on to study at the Royal College of Art, and the exhibition features his works in print, paint and book form for the very first time.

New work, which Mr Dodds produced especially for the exhibition, also features.

His works are part of a touring exhibition developed by the Minories Art Gallery, in Colchester, Essex.

The exhibition opened on December 14 and staff at the museum have been pleased with the response from visitors, and are hopeful that plenty more will view Dodds' works over the festive season.

The exhibition is on until January 26. For more details, contact the museum on (01833) 690606 or visit the www.bowesmuseum.org.uk website.