Artists competing for the inaugural North of the Wall Annual Art Prize are having their works displayed at premises in Tynemouth later this month.

The national contest has been organised by North of the Wall Ltd, and is supported by North Tyneside Council, which has agreed a five-week let on a building in Front Street, Tynemouth.

The artists are competing for a total prize fund of £6,000, including £3,000 for the winner, £1,500 for the disabled winner and £500 for the three runners-up.

All 30 finalists will have their works on display, and available to buy, until the exhibition ends on August 15, with ten per cent of all sales commission donated to charity – which is the North Tyneside Arts Studio.

Steve Williams, of North of the Wall, said: "This is an exciting new initiative aimed at stimulating the creative arts in general, as well as promoting the work of disabled artists."

Deputy chairman of the council, Coun Barbara Stevens, will be opening the exhibition Friday at 3pm.

She said: "I'm delighted that North Tyneside Council is supporting this exhibition.

"It will be a great opportunity for these talented artists to showcase their work and fantastic for Tynemouth."