A FORMER Bolton toy shop is to be turned into an art gallery to help struggling North-west artists.

Artists from throughout the region are planning to show some of their best work in a prime town centre venue next month as part of a large exhibition of contemporary art.

Local painter Paul Stone has persuaded the owners of the former Boydells toy store in Oxford Street to let him have the empty five-floor store for the three-week show, which will feature about 200 works from 75 artists.

It is the third time that Paul has put on an art show in Bolton but In the Red 1999 will be his biggest and most ambitious exhibition far.

He said: "I wasn't going to do it again but this building came up and it was too good a chance to refuse."

But Paul and his friends now face a race against time to prepare the empty building by moving furniture and painting all the walls white ready to display the works.

And the organisers also have just 20 days to raise the £3,500 in sponsorship they need to pay for items such as fire extinguishers, printing and insurance costs as well as prize money.

Paul is excited about the prospect of artists being able to reach a wider public with the exhibition being held in such a prominent position from April 7 to 29.

And he is hoping shoppers and office workers will be attracted to have a look around the works on show in their lunch hour.

To ensure high standards, the works in the exhibition will be selected by a panel of experts and many will be available to buy.

Application forms for artists to enter pieces are available at local libraries or by sending a stamped addressed envelope to Paul Stone Visual Arts, 22 Blackshaw House, Deane, Bolton BL3 5NU. Anyone who is willing to offer sponsorship is can contact Paul on Bolton 419334.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.