A PAINTER from the region is among the first artists to confirm plans to submit entries for an eagerly- anticipated competition.

Ed Kluz, who is based in Richmond, North Yorkshire, will enter three examples of his work in the A1 Open Summer Art Exhibition.

The show will take place in the recently-restored Richmond Station gallery.

Mr Kluz, who has never taken part in an art competition before, said he is entering the A1 Open because he feels it will reflect the region's creative diversity.

He worked at Richmond Station as a teenager, when it housed a garden centre.

Mr Kluz is pleased with the £2.75m redevelopment of the grade II-listed building as an arts centre, which he says has breathed life into the former railway terminus.

He said: "It is a joy to see the platform once again filled with the bustle of visitors and should present a fantastic venue for a large-scale exhibition of this type."

Artists from across the region, both amateurs and professionals, are being invited to enter.

The exhibition is being supported by Newsquest (Yorkshire and North-East Ltd), publishers of The Northern Echo and the Darlington and Stockton Times.

Entry forms are available at the company's offices in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland; Claypath, Durham City; High Street, Northallerton and High Street, Redcar.

With no particular theme, artists have the freedom to express themselves in a variety of media and styles, with between 250 and 500 pieces expected to be displayed.

The first 100 entries received by organisers will receive a free set of Derwent sketching pencils.

A total of 12 prizes, worth nearly £7,000, are on offer, with some of the biggest names in the Northern art world on the judging panel.

They include former Turner Prize judge Greville Worthington, portrait painter Emma Wesley and watercolour artist Simon Palmer.

The panel will make the final selection of the entries to be included in the show, as well as choosing the winners.

Mr Kluz said: "Should I be chosen to be part of this exhibition, it would be a wonderful opportunity to participate in the life of the station - in its new role."

He said he would relish the challenge of competing against other artists from around the region.

"That is the fun of it," he said.

"In the A1 Open, I would be competing with world-class professionals and talented amateur artists."

Entries to the show can be submitted until Friday, June 13. The exhibition runs from Monday, July 14, to Sunday, August 31.

Work can be sent to The A1 Open Judging Panel, The Estate Office, Zetland Estates, Aske Hall, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 5HJ.

For more information about the show, visit a1open.co.uk