CELEBRATED local artist Peter Phillips presented a special gift to the team behind a new art gallery in one of Corbridge’s most treasured landmarks.

The present of a painting of Hadrian’s Wall was handed over to Jack Lapping to mark the launch of The Duck House gallery, situated in the former Corbridge Town Hall.

Aimed at giving exciting young artistic talent the opportunity to show off their work, the gallery will share space with the Duck House, a coffee bar and bistro run by Mr Lapping.

He said: “We are delighted to bring the gallery and workshops to the Duck House.

“Corbridge has many great facilities and attractions, but is currently lacking the type of experience we are now introducing.

“The Tyne Valley has a very rich seam of highly talented young artists and we want to provide a top class outlet for them to showcase their work.

“The gallery will be open seven days a week during our normal opening hours for members of the public to browse around while enjoying a coffee or glass of wine.”

Well-known local artists attended the launch, including artist in residence Joanna Purvis who has worked both in China and USA.

She said: “I find that working for The Duck House gallery is most relaxing as it allows my creative artistic skill to flow out naturally.

“The building is an historic town hall combining with contemporary interior design and now benefits from the supply of artwork from local artists.”