STAITHES Gallery is to host an important national exhibition of paintings by members of the Royal Society of Marine Artists.

The Society was founded in 1939 and is widely recognised for being the focal point for much of Britain's finest marine art.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be welcoming these artists to Staithes,” said Al Milnes, curator of the gallery.

“It’s one of our favourite treats to travel down to London every autumn to see the Society’s annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries.

Al added: " It’s a fabulous show: a celebration of the sea in all its aspects, viewed through the eyes of some of the most accomplished artists in the country. It’s fantastic to be bringing them here to Staithes to share that experience with our friends and visitors here.”

Twenty-one of the members of the Society will be participating in the exhibition – a first for the north of England.

The exhibition is to be titled Celebrating the sea, which is the motto of the Society. The broad theme that underpins all the work is that it is related to tidal waters in some way but there is plenty of scope. Expect to see views of the sea in all its moods and conditions, from harbours, ships, sailing boats, beaches and jetties.

But as Al added: "We promise you won’t get wet!”.

The exhibition opens Saturday, April 5 and continues until Sunday , April 27

Staites Gallery in High Street, Staithes is open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 10am-5pm

For more information visit www.staithesgallery.co.uk