PAINTINGS by a renowned animal artist are on display at Kirkleatham Museum, in Redcar, until October 9.

The work by Louis Wain depicts cats with human expressions, taking part in activities such as playing cricket.

Mr Wain was certified insane before he died. The exhibition, on loan from the Royal Bethlem Hospital in Beckenham, is to raise mental health awareness.

Museum curator Alan Pearce said: "Louis Wain's work is still extremely popular, particularly with cat lovers, and the museum is proud to present such a prestigious exhibition. It is only loaned occasionally, so we are very lucky to be able to host it."

Meanwhile, the museum hosted craft sessions on Tuesday to encourage children to be creative with items from the beach.

The sessions ran from 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm and showed youngsters how to make cards with pop-up shells in the middle.

The sessions are part of a range of activities based on a seaside theme designed to keep children entertained during the summer holidays.

The craft day was funded by Renaissance in the Regions, a Government initiative which provides funding to museums.

Liz Vine, education officer for the museum, said: "It went very well. Sixty children and six adults came and they all enjoyed it."

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free.