GALLERY curators and exhibition organisers from around the region visited a number of artists working in Rossendale this weekend.

The event was designed to increase awareness of artists' work in the valley.

Arts development officer for Rossendale Borough Council Maggie O'Keefee said: "There are a lot of exceptional artists producing work in Rossendale and it is often quite difficult to get curators to come and visit individual artists.

"We organised this day so that they had the opportunity to visit a number of artists in one day."

The event has already paid dividends with painters Joyce Burgess and John Spedding being offered exhibitions at the Mid Pennine Art Gallery in Burnley, which is noted as one of the most highly respected galleries in the region.

For Joyce, this comes shortly after she was successful in securing a research grant from the Arts Council of England North West.

Nel Harris, the Visual Arts Officer with Mid Pennine Arts said: "I was highly impressed with the quality of work and the organisation of the studious I have visited. I would congratulate the artists on their professionalism and commitment."

Elaine and Maggie are hoping to invite other curators to the area in the future so that they can see the work being created in Rossendale.

For more information contact wither Elaine or Maggie on 01706 244678.