AT the age of 81, Dennis Dawes would be forgiven if he took it easy and enjoyed life's simpler pleasures.

Instead, the aspiring artist from Darlington has got to grips with technology to produce a piece of art that is touring the country.

Mr Dawes produced a self-portrait for a competition organised by Channel Four television and the National Portrait Gallery.

His digital camera image of himself, set against a blurred background, was one of 90 chosen from 4,000 entries to join the nationwide tour, w hich will run until the end of the year.

The artwork comes with the caption: "With age the past can become blurred, but the present can also stay clear."

Mr Dawes said: "There are so many people my age who seem to have little confidence but this was something I really wanted to do."