A MINIATURE masterpiece has been created in a garden in Newton-on-Ouse, and now the woman responsible is allowing small parties in to see it.

The garden grotto, which is decorated with thousands of sea shells, was created by artist Barbara MacDonald, 73. It was a ten-year project, which started in 2005.

The grotto sits on the banks of the Ouse. The walls are decorated with shells, broken pottery and glass. A bright line of CDs lines the upper wall.

Barbara said: "I got the materials from anywhere I could. I got the bottles from the local bottle bank, just picking out the bright blue ones.

"It's a very simple little place, with a footstool and a rocking chair."

Barbara retired in her 50s, and immediately embarked on an art course at the University of York, which she made into a degree by doing modules at Leeds and Hull universities. She was awarded her BA in Art at the age of 57.

Barbara's fascination with shells started at the age of four when, growing up in Troon, she collected limpets, whelks and mussels for her doll's tea parties. This evolved into a huge collection of shells that had to be moved into the loft.

Barbara and her husband Mark have moved all over the world due to working for the RAF. Consequently, Barbara's grotto has shells from as far afield as Germany, Malta and Gibraltar. It also includes shells from Oregon, where Mark ended up after a cycling trip across the USA.

Barbara was inspired by Le Palais idéal in Hauterives, built by French postman Ferdinand Cheval, as well as the Gaudí mosaics in Barcelona.

On her unique building materials, she said: "Mussel shells are a favourite. They're so lovely when they've been polished up. I got them from the Loch Fyne restaurant in York - I just went in and asked what they did with all the shells. They said they threw them away. I went home with a big bag of them."

The MacDonalds are now considering opening the grotto by appointment to small parties, and hope visitors will give a small donation towards the Parish Church Roof Fund.

Barbara said: "The village hall is needing improvements and the church is needing a roof. Hopefully people will come in for a cup of tea in return for a donation."

Sue Chadwick, one of the Macdonalds' neighbours, said: "It is beautiful, and an asset to the village of Newton-on-Ouse."

Anyone wishing to arrange a viewing of the Shell Sanctuary can call Barbara on 01347 848621.