TOWNELEY Hall's art galleries, Burnley, will re-open to the public on Sunday following major repairs and refurbishment.

After almost two years' work, visitors will again be able to see their favourite paintings as well as a major exhibition of landscape painting from the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, 'Keep Off the Grass,' which opens on the same day.

The galleries were first closed when dry rot was discovered in the ceiling and the opportunity was taken to plan a major refurbishment and almost £100,000 was raised in grant aid. Financial help came from the Foundation for Sports and the Arts, the Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund, North West Museums Service and the Heritage Lottery, as well as from Burnley Council and the Towneley Hall Society.

Both rooms were originally due to re-open earlier this year but a flood in the picture store in January caused a major setback to the timetable.

Better lighting has been introduced and the gallery showing paintings from Towneley's own collection has been redecorated.

Keeper of Art Claire Stewart, said: "Best of all, there are more pictures on display than ever before."

The Hall will be introducing more information about the paintings for visitors of all ages and redecorating the Edward Stocks Massey Gallery, where 'Keep Off the Grass' can be seen until September 15.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.