ART with a local theme will be on show during an exhibition running for the rest of the month.

Work by Hartlepool artists Steve Crowther and Barbara Ellis and two original Andy Capp cartoons by Reg Smythe are among 30 paintings and drawings on display in English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College's art gallery.

The pictures are on loan from Hartlepool Borough Council's permanent art collection and the exhibition is part of moves to put more of the collection on display. It is hoped the exhibition will become an annual event.

It is the seventh exhibition to be held in the school's gallery, which opened last year to display works of art by pupils and local people.

Mike Brogan, head of the art department at English Martyrs, said: "We are delighted to present this exhibition and to work in conjunction with Hartlepool Art Gallery. We feel it is important to form and maintain partnerships to offer our facilities to a wider audience."

The exhibition runs until January 31 and the gallery is open to the public, Monday to Friday, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Admission is free. For details, contact (01429) 273790.