WATERBRIDGE Gallery is marking its first anniversary with an exclusive exhibition by nationally acclaimed artists.

The venue, in Burnley Road, Waterfoot, is the only northern gallery to be chosen for a prestigious art collection by the Brotherhood of Ruralists, a renowned group of British artists.

John Turpin and artist Diane Erica Hamnett, who own and run the gallery, are delighted to have work by such acclaimed artists for their first major exhibition.

John said: "Although we are still very much a provincial gallery, it means we will be seen as serious in our intention to bring art to as many people as possible in the Valley.

"I was especially thrilled when the paintings were delivered by the artists Graham and Annie Ovenden from the Ruralists.

"The Ruralists is an outstanding group of British artists founded around pop artist Peter Blake (of Sergeant Pepper album cover fame) after he moved from London to the Bath countryside in 1975.

"Although Peter officially left the group in the early 80s along with his then wife, Jann Howarth, and David Inshaw, the other four original members and the Ovendens and Anne and Graham Arnold still continue with the group's traditions and beliefs.

Graham Ovenden created the cover for Joanne Harris' novel Sleep Pale Sister, which was republished in September."

The Ruralists have exhibited internationally at the Royal Academy, The Piccadilly Gallery and the Tate in London.

The Waterbridge Gallery has expanded into the premises next door to increase its display space.

The Ruralists exhibition will be at the Waterbridge Gallery in Bacup from November 1 until December 24.