AN Adlington artist, who set up a doll-making workshop with the street children of Romania, has received the fruits of their labour for the very first time.

Gillie Charlson, who has a studio on Bolton Road, Adlington, flew out to Romania this summer to launch the craft workshop with 26 poverty-stricken orphans on the streets of Brasov.

She took along clay, paints, fabrics and other materials provided by fund-raising activities, such as dances, open days and auctions in the Adlington area.

The lessons were so popular with the children, who were aged between six and 16, that once they started, they did not want to leave.

Gillie said: "As soon as they saw what they were going to do they didn't want to do anything else." And now the children have sent Gillie the handiwork they created for themselves.

Gillie said: "The dolls are in full Romanian national costume and every one is different. The children have done so well - I must have taught them well!"

The dolls are to be sold and the proceeds will be sent back to the children's home to help fund it. The money will provide the children with essentials, such as clothes, food and more materials to keep making dolls.

Gillie said: "It is like a cottage industry which the children can use to sustain themselves."

Gillie, who is heading back to Romania next year, has been an artist for 26 years and also runs classes at her studio for people interested in doll making.

Anyone who would like to buy a Romanian doll can call Gillie on 01257 482074.