A TEACHER has returned to his roots to hold an art exhibition.

Born in Shotton Colliery, Ken Charlton is displaying his work at the Discovery Centre, Seaton Holme, Easington Village, until Sunday, September 8.

Mr Charlton trained as a teacher at Bede College, in Durham, and taught for 38 years in schools across County Durham.

In the 15 years before his retirement he was headteacher at Hurworth School, near Darlington.

But with more time on his hands, Mr Charlton, who now lives in Billingham, turned his attention to watercolour painting and photography.

After retiring from the teaching profession in 1995 he joined Billingham and Stockton Art Society where he was able to meet and exchange ideas with other amateur artists.

He describes the most rewarding aspect of his hobby as being his involvement over the past three years producing and donating images for calendars and Christmas cards for the Butterwick Children's Hospice in Stockton.

Mr Charlton has exhibited his work both regionally and nationally and his one-man show is set to attract substantial interest.

The Discovery Centre is open from Monday to Friday, between 9am to 4pm, and at weekends, between 11am and 4pm.