A CHILDHOOD pastime has brought artist Walter Behrens to his first exhibition in east Cleveland this month.

Mr Behrens, 61, of Redcar, has been painting for more than 50 years, travelling across Teesside and North Yorkshire to find inspiration for his art.

Although painting was originally a hobby, Mr Behrens, who works as a kitchen designer for DIY store B&Q, is looking forward to his first exhibition at Kirkleatham Hall Museum.

The chance to showcase his work was offered when wife Ellen contacted the museum to show staff her husband's paintings.

Mr Behrens said: "It's a great feeling to have my first exhibition. I've been working hard to get more paintings ready. I've discovered many places of interest and local landmarks and I include people in my paintings of scenery to give them more life.

"I really enjoy the relaxation of painting and it's a real personal achievement to have this exhibition."

The exhibition, which runs from Saturday, January 14, to February 28, includes paintings of Redcar Town Clock, Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge and scenery at Whitby, Great Ayton, Saltburn and Marske.