FOR the first time the public is being invited in to have a look at Globe Arts new studio at Toll Bar Business Centre, Stacksteads.

Early in 2001 the Globe Studio Artists left their former home in Waterfoot as the building had been sold to become a costumier's warehouse.

Globe Artist Bob Nancollis said: "Part of the group joined the artists already established in the Albion Mill, while the rest of us, again, thanks to Brian Boys, have found a new home at the Toll Bar Business Centre.

"We have divided the area into individual studios and are now ready to open out doors to the public for the first time with an open weekend.

"We have no formal gallery space in our new home so you will be seeing work and meeting the artists in their individual work spaces.

"It will give people a chance to discuss the work on view and also talk to us about our role within the community."

Artists currently working at the Toll Bar are: Margaret Mitton, John Spedding, Ruth Older, Jason Crowther, Bill Ingham, Dave Pearson, Stan Cropper and Bob Nancollis.

Many were involved with the hugely successful Year of the Artist project at Rawtenstall Market.

The open weekend will be on October 13 and 14 from 11am to 5pm and the mill is at the junction of Newchurch Road and Booth Road.