SHOPPERS have been invited to take part in an art project examining what they put in their baskets.

Artist Jane Gowers is planning to create an installation called Proof of Purchase, to be shown as part of the Stockton Visual Arts Festival, which starts on Sunday, April 8.

The aim of the work is to reveal something about the people of Stockton and their lifestyles, and Ms Gower needs shoppers to help her create her art.

She needs old receipts from people who live in the Stockton area, which she will then turn into a piece of art.

Receipts for shopping, travel, leisure and services are needed, and all that shoppers are asked to do is obliterate any personal details from the receipts and hand them in at Littlewoods, Iceland, Superdrug, Silverside caf, Shelter, NatWest, the library or the Arc in Stockton.

Ms Gower said: "The way we shop has increasingly been affected by the influences of advertising.

"Some elements of shopping are intended to be seen and used as a form of expression to say something about who you are, but there will be areas of shopping activity which are far more mundane and utilitarian, or extreme, which may unintentionally reveal another persona.

"All participants will remain anonymous but may see their collection of receipts as part of the installation."