A FORMER Methodist minister will be the first exhibitor at a new art gallery in Newton Aycliffe.

The Ings Gallery, in the Blue Bridge Centre, has been established to provide a platform for local artists.

Peter Wood, of arts materials specialists Ashwood Arts, who has set up the gallery, said: "Over the past year, I have been looking at creating part of the space upstairs as a gallery for local artists, predominately for watercolours.

"This is my first exhibition to promote local artists, and most of the work will be originals."

The first display is an exhibition of work by 80-year-old Norman Robertshaw, previously a minister in Cockerton, Darlington.

The work will be previewed tomorrow night and will be on display to the public for the following four weeks.

Mr Robertshaw, who lives in Stockton, has been painting since he was five years old, and specialises mainly in landscapes and seascapes.

He said yesterday: "I have had exhibitions in London and elsewhere, including Darlington, but I am very pleased to be the first exhibitor here."

All the proceeds from the exhibition will go to the Christian Blind Mission.

Mr Robertshaw said: "There is ongoing research taking place all the time, and I am happy to have a little finger in it."

The gallery will be open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, or private viewings can be arranged.

For more details, contact Ashwood Arts on (01325) 300185.