ART lovers can have a free view of masterpieces by some of the world's greatest artists, as an exhibition comes to the North.

The Paradise collection, from the National Gallery, in London, features 21 works by artists such as Monet, Gauguin, Constable, Rothko, Corot and Poussin. It will be on show in an exhibition at Newcastle's Laing Art Gallery, from today.

Councillor Barney Rice, chairman of Tyne and Wear Museums Joint Committee, said: "This unique partnership is helping to bring some of the world's most famous artworks to the North-East.

"I am sure Paradise will be a huge success and be enjoyed by many thousands of visitors."

It highlights the theme of Paradise in three sections; Eden, A Perfect World, and A Personal Paradise.

Paradise is the second in a series of four exhibitions at the Laing, made possible by a partnership scheme funded by the National Lottery.

The project brings together the National Gallery, the Laing Art Gallery and Bristol Museums and Art Gallery, so internationally important paintings can be shown in the region.

The first in the series, entitled Light, was seen by more than 80,000 people at the Laing last year.

Charles Saumarez Smith, the director of the National Gallery, visited the gallery yesterday.

He said: "We are committed to bringing these paintings to as wide a British audience as possible."