NEWCASTLE art retailer Eyestorm has bought out rival Britart to create a £3.5m combined business.

Dickinson Dees law firm advised on the deal which will create a major new force on the international arts scene.

Eyestorm is a leading retailer of limited edition prints by artists such as Damien Hirst and David Hockney.

It will combine its expertise with Britart which is the UK's largest contemporary gallery.

Eyestorm has seen its business opportunities widened since leaving London to set up a new base in the North-East.

The latest deal will allow it to offer original art works by up and coming artists as well as collectable prints by well established names.