A SELF-TAUGHT artist is hoping his inclusion in a national exhibition will be a springboard to more success.

Ken Small, 68, has had six paintings accepted for the British Watercolour Society's annual summer exhibition, the largest display of original work in the country.

Mr Small, from Rushyford, near Ferryhill, started painting as a hobby and now hopes to develop his talent.

He said: "I've always doodled and drawn all my life, but when I was an engineer I could not really put my full efforts into it.

"Now that I am retired, I can go at it hammer and tongs and I love doing it. I like to have a go at everything and I don't specialise."

A former tool-maker, Mr Small has exhibited in galleries around the country, but this is the first time he has shown his work at the national exhibition.

Crowds of between 5,000 and 8,000 are expected to visit the Winter Gardens in Ilkley for the show, between June 8 and June 16, which attracts some of the country's leading artists.

Mr Small said: "I'm hoping it will be a full-time thing, because they have these four times a year. That will be enough painting to keep me happy."

The six pieces he has chosen to display are called: The White House by the Sea, In Castle Grounds, The Old Mill House, A Farm Setting, A Country Bridge and City Elegance.