A PAINTING capturing a scene from the region's heritage was put on public display for the first time yesterday.

The Gallowgate Hoppings made a name for local artist Wilson Hepple when he finished it in 1875, at the age of 22.

Set in the Gallowgate area of Newcastle, the fair's original home, it depicts North-East revellers enjoying the annual event.

Included in the painting, in which the artist himself is featured among the crowd, is the chimney stack of the then-Newcastle Brewery, and the entrance to St James's Park.

It was owned by the chemist Thomas Lovibond, who became head brewer for the company, and subsequently its chairman.

Following his death, his widow presented the painting to Newcastle Brewery, and for several years it hung in Scottish and Newcastle Breweries' offices in Haymarket and Gallowgate.

But the firm recently decided it could no longer accommodate it, and sought a new home for it in the region.

After Michael Adamson, chairman of Ramside Estates, asked to buy it, the brewery decided to loan it to Durham's Ramside Hall Hotel.

Yesterday, it was unveiled at the hotel, where the public can view it, by the artist's great-grandson, Leslie Hepple.

Among those attending the ceremony were brewery officials, Simon Blackwood, who restored the painting, and the current organisers of the Hoppings

Mr Hepple, 55, from Bristol, said: "It has always been a picture that people have mentioned in connection with Wilson Hepple, and I think it is really good for the family and the region that it is on display again."

Mr Adamson said: "I have dealt with Scottish and Newcastle for 40 years now and the brewery is a big player in the community.

"I am delighted to receive the painting."