A TALENTED Dales artist has opened her own studio in Leyburn.

Having been painting for more than 20 years, Wensleydale's Lynn Ward has finally secured a base for her artistic output.

Over the years, her work has included the impressive murals at that adorn the walls of award-winning tourist attraction the Forbidden Corner near Middleham.

Ms Ward created scenery for North Country Theatre’s production of Blame it on Bartle, along with several pantomimes and has undertaken many smaller commissions such as houses, pets, and scenes. She also plays the cornet as a member of Leyburn Band.

She said: "Latterly, I've been building on my own work, following a successful exhibition at Warland's in 2013. I already had a work space in Bellerby, but when the opportunity came up for this small shop space I thought it was too good to miss.

"While it is primarily my workspace, it also allows me to display my work."

Her studio in Golden Lion Yard in Leyburn was formally opened at a social occasion attended by many of her friends and family and is now open to the public.

Martin Crowson, of Leyburn tourist information centre, said: "It's wonderful to see another studio adding to Leyburn's reputation as a centre for the arts.

"We were lucky enough to host a solo exhibition by Lynn and her work was greatly admired."