A mystery involving one of the region's best known artists has had a happy outcome.

A circus painting donated by artist Sheila Mackie in 1958, to the children's library in her home town of Chester-le-Street, has finally been returned to her.

And the highly-regarded artist, whose work is sold around the world for up to £10,000, has decided to give it away again.

The work came to light again when Northumberland County Council wanted to auction Mrs Mackie's canvas, which is worth thousands of pounds. It is not known how it came into the council's possession.

But after the artist, who now lives at Shotley Bridge, near Consett, County Durham, saw her long-lost work pictured in The Northern Echo she said she wanted it to be returned to the children of the area.

Northumberland County Council retrieved the painting from auction and agreed that it should be displayed at the dli Art Gallery, in Durham City

The Durham council took the chance to ask Northumberland council if it could keep the work - but Northumberland insisted it be returned. Six months later, Northumberland council had a change of heart, and gave it to Mrs Mackie, who has decided to pass it on to the Annfield Plain theatre group, Snug.

Chairman of Snug, John Hails, said: "It is a wonderful gesture from a wonderful person."

A spokesman for Northumberland County Council said the authority was happy to return the painting to Mrs Mackie.