AN exhibition of work by people using Durham County Council's social care and health services has opened at Bishop Auckland Town Hall.

The Appreciating Ability exhibition in the McGuinness Gallery focuses on the talent of the artists, rather than their disability and showcases work from a variety of people who use the services, including elderly people and those with mental health problems.

Martin Hughes, locality manager for the Learning Disability Services, said: "This year the artwork speaks for itself rather than concentrating on disabilities, said Martin Hughes, locality manger for the learning disability services.

"It gives people a buzz to see the work they have done hanging in a public gallery."

The exhibition is on show at the town hall for a month.