A SHOWCASE of award-winning illustrations has taken over at The Storey Gallery - as a national tour kicks off in Lancaster.

More than 70 specially selected images are on display in the gallery's latest exhibition. It runs until June 7 before taking to the road again.

Images 27 is a new show by The Association of Illustrators, bringing together the best illustrations produced during 2002, chosen by a jury of creative industry specialists.

It is the first time the collection - which includes award-winning pictures from both established and new talents as well as commissions for the national press and companies such as BP, Royal Mail and Bloomsbury Pres - has been seen together outside London.

There are also illustrations from books, magazines, newspapers and advertisements.

The Storey's Margaret James Barber explains: "It is like the Bafta awards for the illustration industry because they are judged by their own peers.."

She says the last touring exhibition at the Storey featured huge paintings so it was thought this display would fit in well with the programme because of the obvious contrast.

"These works are very small. We know at the gallery that we are not going to please everyone all the time, but we ask people to keep coming because there might be something that appeals to you."

Images 27 gives gallery-goers a chance to see original artwork in every illustration medium.

The Association of Illustrators was formed in 1973 and is the national trade association for illustrators in the UK. As well as supporting illustrators, it also produces an annual report and exhibition.

The exhibition is on tour for a year, and is at The Storey Gallery until June 7, open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. Admission Free.

For further details contact the gallery on 01524-844133