A HOUSEBUILDER has tapped into local talent to enhance luxury apartments.

Bowey Homes has teamed up with Sunderland University to buy students' paintings for the stairwell walls of its 30-apartment development overlooking the cricket grounds in Ashbrooke, Sunderland.

The firm originally planned to buy ten pieces of work but was so impressed with the standard, it decided to snap up 36 sketches and paintings.

Artist Brian Raper, 62, from Sunderland, was among the six students whose work was selected.

He said: "I was immensely encouraged when Bowey Homes contacted the university and expressed interest in the final degree show artwork.

"I hope my paintings will bring pleasure to Bowey's new homeowners."

Bowey's sales and marketing co-ordinator, Penny Stewart, said: "The apartments at Ashbrooke are luxury in every sense with every item of furniture and decor hand- picked from top of the range collections.

"We selected paintings that would live up to the high quality specifications of the apartments."

Steve McNulty, Sunderland University's fine arts programme leader, said: "Bowey Homes had a generous budget to spend, which was great for the students because they appreciated the chance to sell their work for a good price.

"It was also a great chance for them to get recognition for their talents."