Jeweller Moira Samater is the driving force behind Sunderland Christmas Art Fair after deciding to bring together the area's creative minds for what she hopes will be a monthly fair.

Moira, of Ashbrooke, took up her trade about five years ago when she visited a friend in Birmingham who had a collection of jewellery she was trying to sell for a friend.

She said: "When I saw it I couldn't believe how beautiful it was. Not only was it beautiful, but it was hand-made and each piece was unique.

"This was the start of my love affair with fused glass jewellery and I knew instantly that this was the creative outlet I had been searching for and this is what I was going to do as a business."

Moira signed up to a course at the National Glass Centre, and before she knew it she was creating her own glass jewellery, with everything from pendants and earring sets to rings and cufflinks.

She started off selling items to friends, but now has outlets in Norway and America. Her jewellery is also sold at the Glass Centre.

But after travelling to art and craft fairs across the country, Moira, who also works at thePlace for City of Sunderland College, decided she wanted to launch her own fair to give local artists a platform to shine.

Moira said: "I think this is something that should really take off.

There isn't really anything like this in Sunderland at the moment and I know there are a lot of artists in the area who produce things ideal for selling here.

"Ideally, I would like to make this a monthly thing, but I need to generate interest first."

The first craft fair will take place on Saturday, November 28 and there will be a second one on December 12 at thePlace from 10am to 4pm.

Anyone wanting a table or any more information can contact Moira on 07900 917 523 after 7pm or email mrsamater@aol.com