A LIFE-size human figure sculpted out of jewellery wire was just one of the awe-inspiring items on show, and for sale at a new Bromsgrove art shop.

With its polished wooden floors and light, white walls 'Bohemia' looks more like something you would find in Camden or Covent Garden.

But based in Worcester Road, the store brings exclusive and contemporary arts and craft from all over the world to Bromsgrove.

Owner Karen Tait of Churchfield Gardens said: "There is something here to suit everyone's taste and budget."

For Karen and her husband Steve Allen opening an art shop has been their dream for around six years. They became interested in the shop, formerly Sportslines, at the end of last year.

"However, we decided not to take up the lease because we felt our two children were too young. Then on a trip to Prague we met a couple of artists and liked their work. It was then we decided it was now or never," said Steve.

But when they arrived back from the Czech Republic somebody else had put offer on the shop and been accepted.

"Then one night I had a dream the shop had become available again and about half an hour after I had got up we had a call from the estate agent telling us just that," Steve continued.

The shop sells a vast variety of artwork including glasswork, ceramics, needlework and paintings, much of it exclusive to the country. Artists include Simon Seabright, Emma Dicks and Fiona Morley and some of them will appear at future 'meet the artists' days.

Karen is also an artist and looks forward to setting up her easel in the shop and getting busy with her acrylics and oils.

Bohemia opened on Saturday and is open from 10am every day, apart from Sunday, which is by appointment only.