AN exhibition of rare artwork, designed to celebrate the 150th anniversary of one of the North-East's best known buildings, went on show at a preview yesterday.

The display of watercolours and drawings, in recognition of Newcastle's Central Station, will open at the city's Hancock Museum, this weekend.

Railway pioneer Robert Stephenson will be the focus of the 150 Years of Newcastle Central Station exhibition, which runs from Saturday until Sunday, December 3.

Steve McLean, curator of the Hancock Museum, in the city's Haymarket area, said: "It is exciting to see all of these paintings and drawings, celebrating the development of such an important building. Not only does it uncover the heritage of Central Station, but the paintings are also very important works of art."

The exhibition was coordinated by The Robert Stephenson Trust.

Tickets cost £3.95 for adults and £2.50 concessions.

Call the museum on 0191-232 6789 for details.