A TALENTED artist has recovered from debilitating illness to stage her first solo exhibition.

Angela Kruger, 54, not only suffers from ME, the chronic fatigue syndrome, but has also undergone surgery to remove extra bones growing down her neck.

So risky was the operation to treat the rare condition that doctors would only operate when she was completely paralysed by her illness. Having recovered from the surgery, she decided to take up painting.

Now Angela, of Brecon Drive, Redcar, has staged her first exhibition, at the Norton Gallery, in Berkshire Road. She said: "It's like being re-born. I feel absolutely fantastic."

The exhibition, which runs throughout this month, features a range of Mrs Kruger's work, including the portraits in which she specialises.

Among the famous faces on show are Gerard Depardieu, Cher, Simon Callow as Falstaff and the Pope.

l The exhibition runs at the Norton Gallery, beside Norton School, every day, from 8am to 5pm