A RETIRED police inspector's new-found artistic skills can be viewed in the coming days at a visitor centre.

Since quitting the Durham force in 1993 after 27 years of service around the county, Bill Brennan has turned his hand to painting.

He honed his growing passion for art at evening classes and has gone on to produce a number of works, including portraits, landscapes, animal and bird studies and sporting scenes.

Several of Bill's works have gone on show at Seaton Holme, near Easington Village, where he lives.

These include a portrait of golfer Mark James, a scene from the British Lions' rugby tour of Australia last year, four local landscapes and a painting of a bird.

Bill, who uses a mixture of watercolours and pastels, said some of the pictures are available for sale.

"I used to like drawing at school, but I never really had time to take it any further during my time in the police force.

"It's something I've really only taken up in the last five years, starting with classes at East Durham College.

"I've got quite a few of the paintings hanging up in the house, but it's nice to have the chance to show them locally."

Bill is a familiar face at Seaton Holme, as he drives elderly people to a luncheon club at the premises, while also helping out with the washing up duties.

His exhibition is at Seaton Holme, in Hall Walks, until November 27