AN ARTIST, whose work hangs in the homes of Prime Minister Tony Blair and TV personality and academic David Bellamy, is celebrating 21 years as a professional painter.

To mark the anniversary, Eric Thompson, of High Croft, Middlestone Moor, is holding an exhibition at Auckland Castle.

The 53-year-old artist has also produced work for the Right Reverend David Jenkins, formerly Bishop of Durham, and Lord Barnard.

This year he is launching a range of paintings featuring Mediterranean scenes. A website showing his work and giving exhibition details will be launched shortly.

Mr Thompson says he has enjoyed every minute of his career.

Sell-out exhibitions in London and during annual visits to the Channel Islands have made it all worthwhile.

For the past five years, he has taught art students at classes in Hurworth, near Darlington, and Spennymoor.

Mr Thompson's ultimate ambition is to open his own gallery, where people can attend classes and see his work on display.

The 21st celebration exhibition is being staged at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, on Friday, May 4, from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday, May 6, from 2pm to 5pm.