ART lovers are in for a real treat in downtown Settle in what's being billed as the ‘largest ever’ gathering of wood engravings, botanical paintings and watercolours by renowned craftsman Derek Setford.

Running at Mary Gavagan's gallery at Settle Town Hall, from Saturday (March 19) until April 16, the exhibition features works inspired by landscapes from across the north west and includes some of the most intricate engravings exhibited in the region in recent years.

Mary, owner and curator of Gavagan Art, said she was delighted to have the opportunity to put together a broad range of work by such a highly accomplished artist as Derek Setford. She added: "I hope that events such as this will tempt more and more people to come and explore the interesting and diverse culture which North Yorkshire has to offer."

Having spent the majority of his life working and living in different parts of the North, Derek Setford’s works often depict elements of the region’s most naturally distinctive areas such as the Lake District and the Pennines.

He was born in Liverpool in 1936 and, after a year studying at Leeds College of Art, continued to study drawing, printing and printmaking at the Slade School of Fine Art in London. He later became acting principal of Rochdale College of Art and, after retiring in 1990, was elected as a member of the Society of Wood Engravers.

Mary Gavagan, a well-known figure in the region's arts circles, who was director of Lancaster University's art gallery for more than 20 years, established Gavagan Art in April 2010.

The exhibition is open Wednesday-Saturday, from 11am-4pm. Also open Bank Holidays.

For further information telephone 01729-268081 or visit www.gavaganart.com.