RENOWNED fashion designer Wayne Hemingway was on hand to open a new art studio and children’s art gallery which hopes to inspire the next generation of young creatives.

Mr Hemingway – in the region ahead of this weekend’s Festival of Thrift event which he co-founded - lent his support to Sara Calgie, a former school teacher who has launched The Start Studio in Middlesbrough.

It provides art and creative activities for all ages and abilities, working with schools, nurseries, adult learners and families.

The facility is based in the former Swedish Mission building in Linthorpe, which once housed a church for Swedish settlers and also boasts a colourful mosaic made of vintage Lindshammar glass.

Mrs Calgie, originally from Durham, first met Mr Hemingway 25 years ago when she was a student at Berkshire College of Art and he was a guest lecturer, and has followed his career closely since.

She said: “Wayne has got a real integrity and has never really changed, he is about people in society having opportunities to be more like themselves.

“The aim is to expose people more to art. Children don’t do as much creative activity as they should do in school.

“I want children to see the value in doing creative arts, hopefully they are doing it not just for an outcome, but because it is engaging and makes them feel good and takes them out of their world for a little while.

“I’ve got teachers to work alongside me to deliver high quality teaching as an outreach service and in here. We want schools and nurseries to use this space as well for trips.

“One in nine jobs is now in the creative industries and even more in this area which is a very sort of tech-driven, creative area.

“I also hope what I’m doing will address wellbeing among children which is a huge problem.”

As well as some taught classes, the studio provides an opportunity for people to visit in open studio time and use its tools and resources.

The venture has also been set up as a Community Interest Company which means any profit is reinvested.

Mr Hemingway said: “Sara’s giving something back to society and deserves to do really well.

“Ask most children and they would rather be creative – whether it be making things or creating art – more than just about anything else.”