NEWCASTLE Chamber of Commerce is on a mission.

It is laying down the gauntlet and urging local craftspeople to create a unique souvenir for the town.

At a meeting of the group last week, its head, Audrey Byrne, said she was regularly on the lookout for souvenirs which could reflect the town’s character and beauty.

So concerned is she about the lack of suitable, affordable, yet classy souvenirs, that she is encouraging local artisans to see if they can conjure up a novel memento.

Open to all suggestions, Mrs Byrne said the souvenir should remind visitors of the town and surrounding area, and that it could be anything ranging from a potter or painter creating a small plate or magnet, to a woodcarving.

“We have so many talented people living in this area and it would be lovely if some of them could come up with ideas. We don’t want anything too elaborate, simply just a nice, and most importantly affordable, keepsake,” she told a meeting of the Chamber last week.

“There are a lot of people out there who are so very talented and they should make the most of their skills, perhaps even some art students could consider coming up with something, I am sure it would be a great accolade for their CV,” the Newcastle businesswoman continued.

“As far as I am aware, the traditional Colleen dolls are now only made in the Far East and that’s a shame. Newcastle really has its name on the map when it comes to tourism, we have a great looking town, with a wonderful natural backdrop, and it would be nice for visitors to pick up something to remind them of their time here.”

If the idea comes off, Mrs Byrne is hopeful that the chosen souvenir could be available for sale in the shops which make up the local business body.

“It could be a boat, something with the mountains or sea. Really, there is so much scope out there, there is great potential and we just need people to be extra creative and hit the drawing board and see what they can come up with.”

She added: “It would just be a lovely way of showcasing not just our town but the many very talented people out there.”

Anyone with ideas is asked to contact the Chamber via its e-mail address newcastlechamber@hot mail.co.uk