FIVE textile artists from across the North-East have crafted their own solution to the problem of finding the right platform for their work.

The friends have come together to launch an artist cooperative.

Fleece is a gallery shop in Reeth that not only provides the ideal place to showcase their work but also brings opportunities to likeminded artists.

Vicky Petrie, who founded the cooperative with Louise Curnin, Thelma Russell, Margaret Chalmers and Janet Phillips, said: “We wanted to create a place where artists could not only sell their work directly to customers but also show the real quality of the products being made.”

After many years of designing, making and indeed selling their work, the group, who all met through their shared love of textiles, felt ready to take the next step.

“For us it was about being able to create and sell handmade items in an environment that reflects the hours, days or even weeks of intricate work that has gone into each piece,” said Vicky, who designs and makes felt from her home in Yarm.