A GRAPHIC artist is holding her first exhibition in a pizza restaurant, which is about to double as a women's business centre.

Jane Connolly, 22, is creating a number of works of art to be displayed in Pizza Express, in High Row, Darlington, next week.

The art will be on show at the opening of the Women's Business Network drop-in centre, which is being set up at the restaurant.

Women who are starting their own businesses or want advice on keeping their business going will be able to use the meeting room at Pizza Express to discuss issues with other businesswomen from the town.

The Women's Business Network has been set up to help women in Darlington who want to start up their own companies.

It aims to offer support, practical advice and access to information for women who may feel intimidated in the business world.

Pizza Express will provide free refreshments for the drop-in centre, and is also offering discounts for women who meet clients in the main restaurant.

Jane, who is a member of the business network, has designed 12 pieces of art for the walls of the restaurant, which will be displayed when the networking centre opens next Tuesday.

She is also working on a big canvas for the main entrance to the restaurant.

A spokeswoman for the Women's Business Network said: "The restaurant already has lots of designs on the walls, but they are going to take those down and replace them with the special work by Jane.

"She is hoping it will help launch her new graphic design business, called J Design."

The official opening of the networking centre will take place at 6pm next Tuesday.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the network, or how it can help them in business, is welcome to attend