A LOCAL Dales amateur artist is holding an exhibition in Northallerton Town Hall later this month - and he has invited some of his friends to exhibit too.

"The idea for the art exhibition came from my family and friends", explained Paul Staines.

"For my 40th birthday which was in May this year, I asked them to suggest a number of challenges for me to carry out during the year and this will be the fourth one that I have completed. I have done a lot of paintings, drawings and poems over the years but have always been hesitant to share them with an audience. That is the challenging part."

Paul invited some of his friends to exhibit with him and there will be a wide variety of styles and media on show. The exhibition will be open from 10am until 3pm on 17 November.

The other artists who will be taking part are: Tamsin Bolam, Shirley Cabourn, Geoff Hughes, Tristram Rothenberger and Anne Wall.

• Paul is photographed holding one of his paintings