A TOWN centre gallery has been created as the entrance of a new art-inspired eclectic business.

Tracy Thompson-Peschke has opened Acero Arte, Darlington, mixing a range of ventures, in a former hairdressers where she once worked.

The two-storey store opened a week ago with the downstairs art gallery being unveiled on Saturday.

Mrs Thompson-Peschke will invite artists from across the North-East to exhibit their works in the gallery space.

Two artists who use different styles of media are the first to display their work.

Kev Carr, known as Frog, has used a technique called pyrography as well as his Pagan beliefs, to produce a series of wooden carvings.

The second is Andy Treadwell, who has a fine arts degree from Northumbria University.

The new business, whose name is Spanish for "branded arts", also includes a small shop, a rock-themed caf and body piercing studio.

Mrs Thompson-Peschke called it an eclectic mix with an artistic theme.

She added: "I thought about doing this many years ago. I am an artist myself but have lost my inspiration.

"This is something I wanted to do when I was at college. Over the years I have done many things.

"I started to meet people that had this theme in common. It just seemed the right time.

"I used to work here as a barber which has since moved down the road.

"I think all things happen for a reason. Everything has fallen into place."