Hundreds of art lovers turned out to see a new gallery open in the heart of Otley.

The Old Grammar School Gallery in Manor Square threw its doors open to the public last Saturday.

And to mark the occasion an imposing Yorkshire Rose wood carving, sculpted by local artist Shane Green, was installed outside.

Gallery chiefs were pleased with the turnout, both at the daytime opening and the evening celebration that followed, with Otley Town Mayor Mary Vickers (Lib Dem, Prince Henry) and MP Greg Mullholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) among the guests.

He said: “As a historical building situated in the centre of town, the gallery space has a unique atmosphere ideally suited to showing art. “There was some amazing artwork on offer and in the evening we had live music from The Sibs, brother and sister Bonnie and Olmo, whose stunning vocals suited the space and occasion.”

The gallery’s January exhibition features a selection of work by local artists and includes landscape and abstract paintings, sculptures and carvings, etchings, photography, and works with driftwood, glass, jewellery and cards.

Mr Mulholland said: “Huge credit must go to Zack, who is the brainchild behind the project.

“The venue is a historic building and has been a focal point for the centre of the town for some years now. It is great it will be put to use as an art gallery for the town’s artists to display their work.”

New exhibitions will be held each month, with Otley resident and classically trained painter David Johnson showing his work on trees in February and award-winner Julia Odell’s display set to be a highlight in April.

The gallery is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. Visit togs-gallery.com for more details.