A North-East museum was given an Indian flavour this week.

Artist and teacher Ranbir Kaur spent two days constructing an 8ft by 8ft Rangoli at the Bowes Museum, at Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Her daughter, Ruby, also held drop-in workshops for children to create Indian artwork.

Rangoli are believed to bring prosperity, and are made on the ground, traditionally using materials such as rice, flour, flowers, lentils, white stone powder or lime. Mrs Kaur decided to create a picture incorporating the Bowes Museum's most famous exhibit, the silver swan.

She said: "In Indian homes, women would traditionally make a Rangoli and put it at the threshold of the home.

"They are always temporary and they would be left out for the rats, mice and ants. Then the next day the woman would sweep up what remains of the rangoli and put it on the garden. Then she would start again. She wouldn't have to do one this size, though."

Mrs Kaur was helped by fellow artist Emma Norris. The pair took about 12 hours to complete the Rangoli, which is made out of sand, stones and gemstones.

The work will remain in the museum until September 8

Further Rangoli installations will take place at Beamish, The North of England Open Air Museum, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and Berwick Borough Museum.

For more information about The Bowes Museum, call (01833) 690606 or go to www.thebowes museum.org.uk