AN AWARD-WINNING illustrator has created a new exhibition at Hexham’s Old Gaol which celebrates the district's folk tales.

'Hexham Miscellany' is part of ‘Northumberland Folk’, a series of four exhibitions across Museums Northumberland by Jonny Hannah.

Visitors can discover some of the district’s strangest stories and characters through Jonny's paintings and prints.

Jonny was keen to explore 'Urban folklore' for the project.

He went out busking around the county, including at Hexham Market Place, and collected stories from people for the project, whether that be a family recipe or an unusual tale.

“Things that a lot of people may think are not worth mentioning, I think they are,” said Jonny.

“We want to keep these stories alive.”

Stories he gathered included a cocktail recipe inspired by Paul Gascoigne.

These stories appear alongside well-know tales of traditional folklore, such as the Allendale Wolf and the Hexham Heads.

Inspiration for the exhibition also came from the Hexham Courant's Looking Back column, where we delve into the archives and look at what made the news in Tynedale 10, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 years ago.

"That was a huge part of my Hexham project," said Jonny.

"They were fascinating.

"It's just that thing of how society has changed."

The exhibition began in May, and will run until October 31.

Jonny, who lives in Southampton but is originally from Fife, Scotland, said it has had a really good response.

Jonny went to Art School in Liverpool before completing an MA in London.

As a freelance illustrator, he has worked with clients such as The New York Times and Penguin Books.

"My work has always been about getting as many people to see it as possible," said Jonny.

"Getting your work out into the public domain is very satisfying."

As well as at the Old Gaol, the exhibition is also being shown at Museums Northumberland’s other sites - Berwick Museum and Art Gallery, Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum, and Woodhorn Museum.

Each location's exhibition is unique.

Original pieces of artwork, limited edition prints and gifts are available for purchase.

The Old Gaol is open Wednesday-Sunday, from 10am-4pm.

There is a daily Northumberland Folk Spotlight tour at the museum at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm, which is included in the price of admission.