TWO top award-winning artists are to visit a Stratford art gallery in the next few weeks as part of its fourth birthday celebrations.

Alan Ingham and Mackenzie Thorpe will be at Castle Galleries, Bard's Walk - visits the owner Ian Weatherby-Blythe, expects to attract a high level of interest.

"We are absolutely delighted that two such respected and talented figures will be coming," he said.

"The two events will help to raise the profile of the town as well as the gallery and we are confident that they will attract a massive turn-out."

Alan Ingham will be at the gallery on Saturday to sign copies of his book Under A Watercolour Sky and the gallery will be launching his latest limited edition prints.

The Staverton artist will also talk about his work and a range of his originals will be on sale.

He is one of the nation's best-loved landscape artists and many of his works are auctioned to raise money for charity.

The gallery's second event, on December 3, sees the first appearance in Stratford of Mackenzie Thorpe.

This will actually happen at the nearby Cox's Yard to allow for the expected large turnout.

The event is invitation only, but any remaining tickets will be available for the general public and can be reserved at the gallery.

Mackenzie, recently voted the Fine Art Trade Guild's artist of the year, will be signing his book From The Heart and the gallery will also be launching his limited edition prints.