ARTISTS from across Furness are coming together for a new exhibition of their work which opens this weekend.

Home Images in Duke Street, Barrow is hosting the display in their recently opened Ramsden Gallery, which will be packed full of hand-crafted pieces, created by both amateur and professional artists from across the area.

Opening on September 16, artists such as Graham Twyford and Jean Pritchard are among the famous names whose work is up for grabs.

Steve Cook, 56, works at the gallery and is thrilled with the standard of the 57 pieces curated, ready for the event.

He said: "For lots of people it's the first time they have exhibited their work- we've got some 17-year-old students involved as well as professionals.

"We are impressed with the work we've got, it's such a good standard.

"I've vetted it and it's all sell-able and it all looks really good."

Works submitted include a number of mixed-media pieces, oils, pastels, water colour and sketches are all available for purchase ranging in price from £27 up to £1350.

Amateur artists displaying pieces, include Barrow local Wendy Gallagher, 45 and teacher Andy Currie-Scarr, 32.

Mrs Gallagher, who has no formal training and has never had her work displayed in a gallery before, has submitted two graphite pencil sketches of Jimi Hendrix and Freddie Mercury.

She said: "I've always drawn but usually for my family and friends.

"I sketched a piece which was on Facebook and Steve saw it and asked me to join in.

"There's some great pieces and this is what Barrow needs.

"I think with this being local there will more of an interest in it.

"It's giving people like me, who are stepping into this world, a chance."

Unlike Mrs Gallagher, Mr Currie-Scarr who teaches art at Furness College, is a member of several art societies and frequently produces commissioned pieces.

He has created several pieces for the showcase using a range of mediums.

He said: "It will be great to spread the news of this event.

"I didn't realise until recently that one artist is a student of mine.

"It's great that this exhibition is encouraging younger people to get involved and I can't wait to go and see it."

The Furness artists exhibition will open its doors at 10am in Barrow's Home Images, in Duke Street on September 16.