FOR years, vending machines have churned out chewing gum, sweets, chocolates and myriad everyday items.

Now a business in Masham has become part of a project that adds another, less easy to define item to the list - art.

A distinctive yellow and black machine installed at The Gallery sells a range of artists' work, contained in small cardboard boxes, for £2 each. The Hayvend project was set up nearly ten years ago by artist John Hayward, who is dedicated to distributing art without the trappings of elitism that often surround it.

Most are based in larger cities, but Josie Beszant, the owner of The Gallery, loved the idea so much she convinced him the machine could work in rural North Yorkshire.

Although the project has been running for nearly a decade, only about 14 machines are in operation as the products by their very nature cannot be manufactured in the quantities needed for the machines to become more widespread.

The Baltic, on Tyneside, also has one.

"Many artists have produced work for the project, creating a fantastic diversity and range of interest," said Ms Beszant.

"Some of the artists are fresh from college, others exhibit successfully around the country.

"From our machine this week, people have bought a DIY Damien Hirst-style spot painting, a small charcoal drawing, and an artist-designed T-shirt transfer, among other things."

For details about the machines, visit the website www.hayvend.com