OUT go the checked table cloths and tomato-shaped sauce bottles and in comes the contemporary artwork.

It's an unusual concept, but one that has transformed a cafe, in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, into the town's first art cafe.

The owner of Moods, Gary Collin, has teamed up with Rhonda Fenwick, of the Kimblesworth Community Arts Project to create a Mediterranean-style cafe that combines the gastronomic delights of southern Europe with the artistic flair of local contemporary artists.

Mr Collin, 37, said: "By putting art on the wall we are making it accessible to the public.

"The cafe is based on a Mediterranean idea, with olive oil, white wine vinaigrette, azure blue table cloths and terracotta walls."

Opening as a cafe in January, Mr Collin has since teamed up with Ms Fenwick, who acts as curator.

She said: "It is the first opportunity for contemporary artists to have a place to exhibit in Chester-le-Street.

"There are paintings, photographs and glass works, and we are hoping to do ceramics at some point, all with a view to eventually opening a gallery."