A FORMER art student who neglected his creative skills during his working life has taken up painting again in his retirement.

George Crawford studied oil painting and commercial art at Hartlepool College of Art from 1950 to 1954.

But after completing his National Service in 1957 he joined ICI's publicity department, working in the design section of the agricultural division at Billingham.

It has only been in recent years that Mr Crawford, who lives in Wingate, County Durham, has had time to take up painting once more.

He has specialised in watercolours and landscapes, going out to places of interest and remote spots across the North-East to indulge his passion for painting.

A selection of his most recent landscapes has gone on show at Seaton Holme visitor centre, Easington Village. They range from a coastal scene at Seaham Harbour, to a moorland setting in Weardale and his own favourite, a view of Castle Eden.

George said none of the paintings on show have previously been displayed, and all but the Castle Eden scene are available for sale.

The display, in the Discovery Centre, runs until December 23.