AMATEUR artist Neil Johnson is hoping that one of his paintings will receive royal approval.
Mr Johnson, former chief executive with Derwentside District Council, has given his painting of a horse to the British Horse Society, which will raffle it during the Princess Royal's visit to Houghall Agricultural College, near Durham City, in June.
The painting will first be shown at Castleside Art Club's Easter exhibition, at Castleside Village Hall, alongside 100 other paintings by local artists tomorrow and Monday.
Mr Johnson said he was enjoying his art since he retired.
He said: "I loved art as a youngster and used to make finals of competitions and so on but, of course, work took over later in life. I've been retired for about four years and I'm enjoying life and enjoying painting. I also love horses and have three myself, so I'm glad it will be used to raise funds for the British Horse Society."
The princess will visit the college to help celebrate the British Horse Society's flagship promotion day on June 12.
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