A NEW art gallery with an animal theme has opened in Malton.

Former teacher Rachel Pirie has set up the Animal Art Gallery, in Finkle Street, at the front of grooming studio Dapper Dogs.

Rachel said: "Dapper Dogs has been an established business for many years, then the owner, Thalia Counsell, came up with the idea to utilise the front of the shop and start a new business.

"I had been a primary school teacher at Malton Primary for more than 15 years and I fancied a change of career. As we both had been friends for a few years I decided to help set up the business."

Rachel said they had chosen animal art as it seemed fitting with the groomers at the back of the shop and something Malton did not have.

"I got in touch with a few local animal artists and it went from there," she said.

"Everybody who has been into shop agrees it is a really good idea and has been really well received. All the artists have been very keen to display their work, all show incredible talent."

The art gallery includes a range of media and subjects - felt artist Jan Jennings, pastel artists Ann Woodward and Kim Burn, painters Robert E Fuller, Coral Rose, Victoria Ibbotson, Diane Todd and Peter Bailey and many photographers, including Liz Gregory, The Ryedale Snapographer, Mark Egerton Images, Gary Ward, David Gilchrist, Joe Burn, Carolyn Hird-Rogers.

Rachel said: "All have a love of wildlife and an appreciation of the surrounding countryside. Some even travel all over the world to seek inspiration for their art."

In addition to the art gallery, Moobies, in Newbiggin, which is owned by Thalia's husband Matt, has been rebranded into an art café, garden and gift shop.

"Matt decided a change was needed and the popular milkshakes and frappes are now part of the art cafe's menu, as well as hot drinks. Botham's of Whitby supply their delicious cakes, quiches and pies from their bakery all available on the menu," said Rachel.

As well as artwork, prints and cards, the gallery will sell gifts, including fused glass, contemporary animal themed jewellery and tableware. All our items will make fantastic original Christmas gifts.