SELF-taught artist Russell Stoves is holding an exhibition of his work at an east Durham gallery.

Mr Stoves, who lives in Peterlee, County Durham, has been interested in art since his days at school, but only had limited time to paint during his National Service and 40-year-career with the ambulance service.

Following his retirement in 1994, he has been concentrating on his painting and has had several exhibitions at North-East art galleries.

The latest work runs at Seaton Holme in Easington Village, until September 23.

Mr Stoves said: "I mostly work in watercolours and most of the paintings are landscapes.

"I do a lot of local scenes but I paint anything that takes my eye. Some of the paintings include Venice.

"I also used to sketch a lot of steam trains, although I do that less often now."

Mr Stoves had had no formal art training but has developed his skill by reading books about art.

Seaton Holme is open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 11am to 4pm at weekends.