A RETIRED teacher’s unique take on his beloved home city is reflected in a new art exhibition opening soon (Monday, January 5).

Olly Burton, from Neville’s Cross, Durham City, has produced a series of paintings under the heading “Durham As I See It”, all in his quirky, loveable style.

The pieces will be on display at Durham World Heritage Site visitor centre, in Owengate, Durham City, from January 5 to January 31.

“So many new buildings are going up in our city, many of the architectural gems here get lost among the modernity,” Mr Burton, who is in his 70s, said.

“Hild and Bede College, the railway station, North Road Methodist chapel, Owengate – how many people remember the delightful traffic control box of the 1950s in the Market Place?”

As well as working as an artist, book illustrator and entertainer, Mr Burton, who was born and raised in Spennymoor, taught in Ferryhill until 1992 and is a long-serving guide and steward at Durham Cathedral.

His exhibition will be open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Entry is free.

Many of the pieces will be available to buy as prints or cards.