A MINI BUS DRIVER from Dolgarrog has turned a hobby into a business during the lockdown period by painting colourful murals and positive messages onto slates.

Having been furloughed from her job with Conwy Valley private hire since March, Joanne Hughes decided to do something productive with her time off.

She began painting slates as the had found some unused ones in her shed. And it quickly took off into something bigger than she had originally planned.

The 54-year-old said: "Initially, I just made one for my cottage then one for my sister in law. But then I carried on and did one for each neighbour. It kept me sane so I thought, I'll do the village.

"Sneaking around leaving these slates by gates earned me the name 'The Slate Fairy'. Of course, I got spotted in the end but it was all a bit of fun!"

After seeing Joanne's slates around her village, people started to ask for them, so she decided to set up her business; Jo's Garden Art.

By now, she has painted more than 100 slate murals of dogs, flowers and more and has rented a window to showcase her work at Tal Y Bont post office.

Joanne added: "People started asking me for the smaller tile version as they are ideal as a long lasting card. I've done birthdays, thank yous and a dog friendly holiday home in Llanrwst asked me for tiles for their garden.

"I'd love to take Jo's Garden Art further, I love making them and responses are always positive.