THE finest wildlife artists in Britain will be showing work in Malvern at an exhibition which represents a coup for a natural history art gallery.

On the Wild Side, in Church Street, will be hosting an exhibition by the Society of Wildlife Artists for the first time.

Society exhibitions are rarely held outside London, where it has an annual show at the Mall Galleries, the foremost event on the British wildlife art calendar.

Anna Brook, manager of On the Wild Side, said: "The owners of the gallery have had links with various members of the society.

"As the reputation of our gallery has grown, I know they have been keeping a very close eye on us, they obviously feel we are ready and that's great."

The gallery is one of the few of its kind in the country and has been open in Malvern for just over two years.

Among the internationally renowned artists taking part in the show are Priscilla Barrett, Hilary Burn, Basil Ede, Peter Partington, Martin Ridley, Alistair Proud, Bruce Pearson, Richard Tratt, Jill Moger, Andrew Stock and Chris Rose.

"We're delighted to be able to host an exhibition by such a well known and admired group of artists and delighted that the town can attract this sort of event," said Anna.

"We hope this show will provide inspiration and pleasure both for local people and visitors."

She added that she hoped the exhibition would bring in people from outside Malvern to the town, as it is a chance to see the work without having to go to London.

The exhibition opens on Tuesday, June 10, and runs until Saturday, June 21. The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm.