COUNCIL offices got a taste of the orient last week when artists organised a special Japanese day.

The event marked the end of a three-month exhibition of oriental art and vintage kimonos at Hambleton District Council's civic centre in Northallerton.

Artists Jill Clay and Katie Chaplin held Japanese tea ceremonies and gave demonstrations on the art of origami and silk painting. Centre visitors could also try on a kimono and have a go at oriental make-up.

The council's arts development officer, Kate Staines, said: "This exhibition has been a huge success and the oriental day finished it off on a real high.

"We are using the civic centre for exhibitions as much as we can, giving our visitors something to have a look at when they come in on council business."