PEOPLE from across the region have been discovering new talents as part of an arts project to improve mental health.

More than 100 people took part in the 12-month project, which finished with an exhibition of the work created which was held in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

Miniature hot air balloons, printed silks, a collection of trophy heads and a Dickensian Miss Havisham inspired installation were among the creations on display at the Cabinets of Curiosity exhibition.

The project was led by Willie Nillie, a community interest arts company in Chester-le-Street and was funded by the Big Lottery Awards For All and NHS Health Improvement schemes.

Sharon Gollan, who helped run it, said: “We chose Cabinets of Curiosity as the theme so people could explore their imaginations. Some of the artwork is just fantastic. We have some very talented people.

“The whole point of Willie Nillie is to make it accessible for everyone to come and take part. Some people produce fantastic art and some people just enjoy taking part. Usually people get quite a lot out of it.

“Just switching off and doing something like art can improve your mental health and if you discover you’re really talented at something it’s a bonus.”

The project was focused in Chester-le-Street but attracted people from across County Durham, Newcastle, with some people coming from as far away as Alnwick, in Northumbria, to take part.