A NEW gallery filled with work from up and coming local artists opens in Cradley for the first time today (Friday).

Sue Lim has created Blue Ginger in a converted barn at Home End Farm after closing the English Language School she ran on site.

"I've selected and brought together objects from a variety of sources but with a special place for the strength of local talent," she said.

"I want to give encouragement to young artists and craftspeople in the area."

Local artists exhibiting at Blue Ginger include Sadie Stowell, from Linley Green, who creates textile and mixed media pieces, and Cythia Lea, from Leigh, who makes ceramic chickens.

Textile artist Annette Emms, originally from Malvern, will be running workshops as will jewellery maker Sharon McSwiney, based at the Foal Yard Gallery, Bransford.

Zoe Spearpoint, who makes boots and shoes at her Hereford home, will also be displaying.

Sue's son Kenji will have paintings on show. She had the idea to open the business when he was at art college.

"I was interested in what Kenji and his friends were doing and how they got exhibitions going," she said.

She added she had enjoyed running the language school for 16 years but was excited to be involved in a new venture.

The gallery's name is inspired by the time Sue spent living in Singapore and the blue and white china jars used to store ginger there.

A coffee shop on site will also support local traders by stocking diabetic chocolate supplied by Cradley man James Fairfax, ice cream from Ledbury company Just Rachel and fudge from the Herefordshire Fudge company.

Blue Ginger will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 8pm. It is situated on the A4103 Worcester to Hereford road.