A FORMER blacksmith has won an award after forging a new career as an artist.

George Westgarth, 78, has been named the North-East's Oldest Artist by national charity Counsel and Care for the Elderly.

As a reward for setting an example to other older people, his work will be exhibited at the Museum of London.

The great-grandfather, from Hetton-le-Hole, Wearside, will also be considered for the national award, to be presented in the capital on Wednesday, June 4.

Mr Westgarth, who worked as a blacksmith at Eppleton Colliery for 43 years, began his artistic career in 1976, after finding an old miner's helmet.

He decided to paint it, and has since worked on about 24 helmets, adorning them with mining scenes and banners.

Mr Westgarth also produces sculptures, paintings, poetry, and miners' banners, combining his artistic pursuits with working one day a week as a volunteer blacksmith at Bowes Railway, in Springwell, Gateshead.

He said: "I keep the miners' helmets for exhibitions, I am the only one who paints them.

"It is just the same as painting eggs, which I paint as well. I have got an exhibition at Wheatley Hill Community Centre on June 7, where there will be three big tables full of what I do."

Mr Westgarth said he was delighted to win the award.

"I am pleased about winning for the northern region, it is an honour," he said.

Mr Westgarth was yesterday demonstrating blacksmith's crafts at an open day at Bowes Railway.

The award for the region's second oldest artist went to Tom Whiteley, 75, of Sunderland. Cecil Stewart, also of Sunderland, came third.