TODDLERS have shown off their artistic view of life on the ocean waves.

The youngsters enjoyed activities in the educational resource area for children at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle.

The children viewed the Cullercoats Exhibition in the gallery, which shows 19th Century life in the Tyneside fishing community.

Using this as inspiration, they painted their own boats, fishing murals and sea creatures.

They showed off the results to Lindsay Williams, the company's associate director for external affairs.

"Getting children to create their own version of life at the coast is a marvellous way of catching them young when it comes to art appreciation," she said.

Julie Milne, curator at the gallery, said: "This is the education resource area working at its best, with children being able to view the Cullercoats Exhibition with their parents, then create their own interpretations."