A GLASS artist has opened her own studio and gallery in the heart of Durham.

Janet Rogers, who works in stained, leaded and kiln fused glass and pate de verre, has opened the Crushed Chilli Gallery, in the former St Margaret’s church hall, on the city’s South Street.

Around 300 people attended the official opening, held on Sunday.

Visitors can view and buy a range of contemporary art including paintings, sculpture, furniture, glass and ceramics, photographs, jewellery and textiles.

Also, through a glass wall, they can watch Mrs Rogers at work on her latest glass piece.

The 49-year-old, who was born in Gateshead and lives in Sunderland Bridge, near Durham, has recently worked on pieces for Durham University’s Josephine Butler College and Spennymoor Town Hall.

The Crushed Chilli Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm; and until 10pm each night during Lumiere, which runs from November 17 to 20. For further details, visit crushedchilli.co.uk