A TASTE of Italy comes to the region next month, with a fresh exhibition by a North-East artist.

Leanne Mullen, 24, of Seaham, County Durham, is showing a collection of her works in contemporary florals and Italian architecture at the McGinn Art Gallery, in Murton Glebe Centre, in her home town.

A graduate in textiles and surface patterns, she works in fabrics as well as watercolours.

She became interested in Italian structures after visiting the country. "Their architecture lends itself well to what I do - it is really inspiring," she said.

Miss Mullen's exhibition goes up at the Murton Glebe Centre on September 6 and will be on display until October. For details, call 0191 520-8650.