EYV SAUNDERS has revived the traditional craft of hand-hooking to make handbags and rugs - from old plastic bags.

Ms Saunders, who works for Middlesbrough's Arts Development Office, said: "All of these pieces are really hard-wearing and are designed to be used, not just looked at.

"Using hand-hooking to make them keeps an old technique alive and provides an immediate use for recycled plastics.

"It allows me to fulfil my artistic urges, while also being ecologically sound - the best of both worlds."

Her work was displayed at the We Create event at the University of Teesside, to mark International Women's Day.