A MOTHER and daughter are to show off their art and poetry together in a new exhibition.

Mother Cath Curran and daughter Jane Curran have just had their first ever exhibition together, Eston Stories, with Jane publishing her first poetry book aged 50.

Eston Stories showcases the history and the wonderful creativity of the people in Eston and shines a light on the talented on the pair who are Eston residents.

The exhibition has been supported by Thirteen Group. Cath Curran makes art and her daughter Jane writes poetry to go alongside.

Jane has just published her first poetry book Fiercely Independent Fantabulous Independent Youngish.

The 50-year-old works at Middlesbrough College and is a foster carer, and as a disabled writer, lots of her poems are about her disability, Spina Bifida, and people's perceptions of her and her disability.

Jane Curran said: “I have lived in Eston from an early age. Growing up in a community where there were lots of young families is a time I remember with great fondness.

“I always wanted to write and thought maybe I would write short stories – writing a book seemed like too mammoth a task.

“After a couple of writing courses over the years I joined a local writers group, where with the help of my writer friends my confidence has grown.

“With that elusive short story still eluding me, one of the week’s sessions was about poetry. To my surprise I really enjoyed it.

“The group started attending spoken word events and I was bitten by the bug for performing my poetry.

“With a couple of Open Mics under my belt I secured myself a 10 minute slot at a poetry night.

“As a disabled writer I like to write poems that challenge and inform people – I also like to make people laugh.

“I’ve just turned the big 50 and it’s very exciting to have my poetry published for the first time and to be showing in an exhibition with my mum.”

Cath Curran has lived in Eston since the early 1970’s, moving from South Bank with her husband Mick and their young family.

Cath Curran said: “I grew up in a small village in Wiltshire, a shy child who found my love of painting in my teens.

“Having met Mick and then getting married we then relocated to the North East where Mick had grown up.

“With a family to bring up and jobs to hold down I didn’t always have time for my own hobbies.

"It was only when my children were older I took up painting again, going to art classes at what was Gilbrook School.

“When I retired from my job as a care assistant I was able to devote more time to my favourite hobby.”