A former editor who launched her own art gallery has celebrated a year in business.

Nicole Garnon, who edited the South Wales Argus for four years, has marked 12 months in charge of art business Gallery 57 in Newport city centre.

Nicole, pictured, ran the Newport-based daily from 2016 until 2020.

The gallery features works by local artists and those from further afield, stocking art, prints, cards, ceramics, jewellery and works created out of wood.

It has also hosted numerous workshops and classes, as well as offering free art-related activities for children.

Nicole told the Argus: “Many of the artists and makers featured in the gallery agreed to come in a year ago when they didn’t really know anything about me.

“I was constantly amazed at how willing they were to help get this venture off the ground.

“They have been a fantastic support to me over the last 12 months, always willing to lend a hand or offer a kind word and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

She added: “Things have been a bit tough at times and of course there are some decisions I would now have taken differently.

“It has been a huge learning experience for me but the response from customers, artists and makers has blown me away.