I was born in Leeds in 1959. I studied art to A level always preferring oil paints. Due to family and job commitments I was unable to paint very much for the next 20 years. In 2002 I was made redundant and decided to take up my painting again. I now live in West Rainton and when the village started an annual show including paintings I entered every year, winning most painting classes. In 2011 they awarded The Arden House Award for best item in the show, I went on to win this 4 out of the following 5 years. This success spurred me on to do more painting and joined Hetton Art Club where I am now secretary. I also joined Houghton and Lumley Art Clubs. In 2014 I won The Anthony Lynn Award at Houghton Art Club for my painting of The Nigel Gresely and again in 2018 with a portrait of my husband Eric. In 2017 I won the George Westgarth trophy for my painting of Donkey Trio, this picture then sold at the exhibition.