AN East Lancashire gallery has opened its doors to couples who want to tie the knot next to one of Europe's top art collections.

The picturesque Haworth Art Gallery in Accrington is home to the largest public collection of Tiffany glass in Europe, and consists of over 140 pieces of intricately styled pieces in the "Art Nouveau" style.

Already two couples have jumped at the chance to wed in the unusual surroundings since the gallery in Manchester Road opened its doors to civil ceremonies late last year.

Elaine, 44, and Bill Craven, 41, of Rishton Road, Clayton-le-Moors, were married at the Haworth before Christmas.

The new Mrs Craven said: "There were many reasons why we chose the Gallery, not least because it's in such a beautiful setting but also because we were looking for something a bit different.

"The whole day was brilliant, gallery staff really looked after us, and they were really helpful without being intrusive. We were able to have the day just as we wanted in fantastic surroundings."

Gallery manager Jennifer Rennie said: "We've always had requests from couples wanting to use the house and gardens as a backdrop for their wedding photos so it made perfect sense to supply the full wedding package."

The Tiffany exhibition includes hand-made vases, tiles and mosaics from Louis Comfort Tiffany's New York studios.

In addition there is also a collection of Victorian and Edwardian paintings at the gallery, which is set in nine acres of park and gardens.

The Haworth was built in 1909 and is named after Thomas Haworth, a cotton manufacturer in Accrington.