ANDREA Hunter's powerful felt wall hanging, The Gathering, goes on show next week in Harrogate when the Knitting and Stitching Exhibition arrives at the Conference Centre.

The artist grew up surrounded by sheep farming in upper Wensleydale, and this inspired the hanging which has aroused much interest nationally.

The exhibition began its tour at the Alexandra Palace in London and Harrogate is the last venue. It can be seen from Thursday to Sunday, November 24.

Of her work, the artist states: "When I think of the Dales, I have a vision of the fells and the driving rain approaching. I feel the wind beating at my face and there is a whiff of damp peat as it squelches beneath my feet.

"The sheep approach and I can smell their wool, their nostrils flair as they try to sniff out any food I may have. They gather round with questioning looks and the ram takes on a territorial stance."

She makes her pictures by teasing fine wool and using the fibres as if they were paint. Only when happy with the picture does she turn it into felt.

"Creating felt pictures using the techniques of painting with wool has given me so much enjoyment and satisfaction," she says. From Monday, November 25, the hanging will be the focus of Tactile Textiles at the Art Apartment in Knaresborough, telephone 01423 867606. Ms Hunter's work will also feature in ITV's Dales Diary.

The Focus on Felt gallery at her home in Hardraw is open by appointment and at weekends from December 1 until Christmas; ring 01969 665644.