ONE of the world's leading doll makers has unveiled a collection of her masterpieces in an east Durham exhibition.

The display, by award winning Jean Walker, is on show at Seaton Holme, in Easington Village, and will remain open until May 29.

The former head of the beauty therapy department at Darlington College of Technology, Jean decided to turn her lifetime hobby of doll artistry into a full-time business after her retirement 13 years ago.

Since then, she has achieved international fame and success winning top awards in New York, Florida, Interlaken in Switzerland and the All England Championship in London.

Apart from competition work, Jean also supplies collectors across the world with items associated with doll making.

She specialises in ethnic, antique reproduction and baby dolls and can boast that no two are the same.

Much of her time is also taken up giving lectures and teaching experienced doll makers in the techniques of specialised painting and costume making.

Every doll she produces is handmade, including the porcelain heads and body parts.

Now 78, and with no intention of retiring, Jean researches every section of her miniature masterpieces meticulously, from their hand-knotted wigs to their cleverly constructed shoes.

Since making her first doll, when she was eight, she has notched up 22 blue ribbons, five best in category and four top international awards in her craft.