SHE'S come a long way from the moment she first saw and fell in love with the work of North-East glass artist Maralyn O'Keefe in her native Japan.

However, after spending almost a year with the O'Keefe family in Lanchester, County Durham, Noriko Hoki has just opened her first exhibition.

Glass work is not the only art which Miss Hoki has taken a fondness to during her 11-month stay in the North-East.

For while looking at the stained-glass windows in Lanchester CE church, the former dental hygienist heard the sound of bell-ringing for the first time.

So intrigued was the 28-year-old, who arranged to stay with the O'Keefes as part of an international education programme, that she became involved with the local bell ringing society and has rung the bells at Durham Cathedral. She will do the same at Hexham Abbey tomorrow.

All but the very latest of Miss Hoki's work, which has Japanese influences, has been sold out at the O'Keefe's gallery in Medomsley Road, Consett.

She now plans to devote her life to glass art.

Her first exhibition is part of the International Women's Day exhibition showing at Stanley Civic Hall until the beginning next month.

But there is one piece of work that is not for sale. "It is my memory piece," said Miss Hoki.

"It shows the church in Lanchester and all the places in Consett as well. It will help me never to forget my time here.