A PLUCKY woman has risen from her sickbed to become a talented artist.

Angela Kruger, 54, thought her future was secure after years of working as an accountant. But her life was turned upside down in 1989, when doctors found two extra bones growing down her neck, which they said would lead to paralysis.

So risky was the operation to correct the condition that they waited until Angela could not feed or wash herself before allowing it to go ahead.

A further blow came two years ago when she was diagnosed with the chronic fatigue syndrome myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME.

Angela, of Brecon Drive, Redcar, said it was a traumatic time in her life.

"After I had my operation at South Tees Hospital I still kept getting tired," she said. " I went down to five stones and my legs wouldn't work, so I was stuck in a wheelchair."

But, despite the added heartache of losing her husband, Hans, in 1987, Angela kept going. Her fighting spirit prompted her to enrol on an art course at Redcar Further Education Centre.

Three months later, she won the Council for Further Education's calendar competition. And now, to crown her rapid rise to success, Angela has been asked to put on her first solo exhibition at Stockton's Norton Gallery.

She said: "Since becoming an artist I've made so many friends and found a whole new life."

Angela's exhibition, which features paintings of Cher and the Pope, runs from October 2 to November 1