A Darlington caf owner has installed some colourful representations of the town's landmark buildings to brighten his business.

Frederick Stehr, owner of Crombies, one of the town centre's oldest established businesses, has bought a series of commissioned watercolours to display in the caf.

Each painting features a landmark building in the area. They are mounted around the premises in relation to each site's geographical location.

Diners can stand and look at a painting of the market hall clock while viewing the real towering timepiece through a window.

Mr Stehr, who has run the 69-year-old business since the late-1970s, hopes the paintings will help to attract people not only to his caf, but the town centre as well.

All of the paintings, by architectural artist Ian Fennelly, were commissioned by Darlington art gallery Gallerina, in Duke Street.

Mr Fennelly, who has captured landmarks of major European cities, including the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, also painted St Cuthbert's Church, Darlington Civic Theatre, the old town hall and the Market Square.

Mr Stehr has the pictures of these local landmarks, predominantly in oranges and yellows, on display, with each illuminated.

He said: "I have put the pictures in more or less a spot where the buildings are."

The old town hall itself has attracted a lot of interest, particularly from older customers who recall politicians' speeches from the building's balcony.

Mr Stehr, who is also a member of Darlington Chamber of Trade, is particularly pleased with the responses he has had to the pictures from the public.

"They start talking about them and see Darlington in a different light," he said.

"When I saw them, I was extremely excited to be able to put these pictures up, not just for myself, but also for the customers and the public at large.

"It's exciting to do something different, because when you are in catering it can become very monotonous, but now I can show the public some local history."