NEWCASTLE art retailer Eyestorm has bought one of its rivals, Britart, to create a £3.5m business.

Lawyers Dickinson Dees advised on the deal.

Eyestorm sells limited edition prints by artists such as Damien Hirst and David Hockney.

It will combine its expertise with Britart, which is the UK's largest contemporary gallery owner.

Eyestorm has seen its business opportunities widen since leaving London to set up in the North-East.

The latest deal will allow it to offer original art works by up-and-coming artists as well as collectable prints by established names.