ARTIST Romey Chaffer played "mummy" to a group of creative young people to help them to put together an exhibition on an Egyptian theme.

The group of 18 youngsters, each with learning difficulties, used the inspiration of Egyptian artefacts on display at Durham University's Oriental Museum to produce their own artwork.

All the students attend day centres run by the Durham County Care wing of social services.

Under the watchful eye of Romey, and colleague John Foker, they compiled their collection at weekly workshops run by the Bearpark Artists' Co-op.

Ceramic and silkscreen artists Jane Hufton and Claire Sartow also helped .

It has culminated in a display, Inspirations, a range of paintings, ceramics and screen prints, which went on show yesterday at the Oriental Museum and can be seen on weekdays from 2pm to 4pm, until October 29