AMATEUR painter Annette McKinnon had no idea her efforts would cause such a stir when she first took them into a Consett art shop.

But sharp-eyed art businessman Ron O'Keefe knew better when he first spotted the pastel landscapes and woodland scenes created by full-time mum Mrs McKinnon.

And he was proved right as Mrs McKinnon's works outsold those of her nearest rival by two to one in Consett's Glass Gallery shop on Medomsley Road.

In fact Mrs McKinnon, 42, of Chopwell near Gateshead, has sold 88 paintings in the shop since she first submitted them 19 months ago. That's despite the value of the paintings rising from £80 a time to £250.

Second-best seller in the store is internationally renowned artist from Shotley Bridge Sheila Mackie, whose works cost up to £3,600. Third is pitman painter Ron Hindmarsh of Belmont near Durham City.

Mr O'Keefe, who along with his award-winning glass artist wife Maralyn has recently bought out major stained glass suppliers, complimented Mrs McKinnon's work.

He said: "We have helped nurture her talent and it is fair to say she has gone down an absolute storm with the public."

Mrs McKinnon, a single mother who looks after nine-year-old daughter Charlotte, said: "It was a real surprise when they started to sell at all, never mind this reaction.

"I've always painted but never in any kind of serious way until about three years ago. It would be lovely to make a full-time career of it."