EAGER Christmas shoppers can take advantage of some unusual gifts on sale at two Teesside exhibitions.

Hartlepool Art Club's 58th annual exhibition is under way in the town's art gallery, in Church Square, from now until the end of the year.

More than 120 paintings, most of which are for sale, are being displayed by the team of local artists. There is a separate display of Christmas crafts from designers across the country.

Rob Wilson, the art club's exhibition secretary, said: "We are delighted that the art gallery is again playing host to our annual exhibition.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a broad range of paintings by lots of different local artists, and if you have Christmas presents in mind, the price range is such that there should be something to suit most pockets."

More than 20 craftspeople, from as near as Hartlepool and Billingham and as far as Devon, have stalls at the craft exhibition, showing off jewellery, handbags, textiles, glass, ceramics and bronze work, with prices ranging from about 30p to more than £1,000.

Ed Norton, Hartlepool Borough Council's exhibitions officer, said: "These two exhibitions are a real feast for the eye, and also provide some exciting Christmas gift ideas for people of all tastes and ages."

The art gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5.30pm, and on Sundays, from 2pm to 5pm. It is closed on Mondays. The exhibitions end on December 31.