GALLERY H is light and airy with open aspects, a draw for both tourists and locals alike.

Sophisticated and swish it is.

Flash or pretentious it is not.

The former bank building on Arnside prom has been transformed into Cumbria's latest glistening arthouse by Pam and Mike Houghton - the owners of Milnthorpe's Houghton-Parkhouse Limited, and designers and manufacturers of livestock carriers.

Gallery H is a family affair with input from all the Houghtons: son and designer Steven has produced a granite table; David the aluminium and Aztec blue banister; plus 'front of house' help from daughter Emily - not forgetting invaluable support from Mike's parents.

Both inside and outside the gallery takes your breath away, with vistas across the estuary through its windows.

From the front door and you get a bird's eye view of Vasile Leondar's enormous red poppy oil.

The old teller area is now the jewellery counter and reception area.

Up a couple of steps and you're into the former bank manager's quarters, coming face to face with Simon Bull's large landscape, with an even larger price tag - £17,625.

The kitchen has been turned into a side gallery and the old safe is another attractive showcase for the gallery's attractive wares.

On the furniture front, Gallery H fuses the contemporary with traditional: Tom Schneider's functional pieces, Shaker-style from John Kelly.

John's walnut and cherry desk would be a fine addition to any household.

Jewellery also plays its part - sculptural glass items created by Sue Shaw and pieces mainly in silver from top maker Sarah Jordan.

Art wise, Gallery H exhibits wonderful originals from the creative hands of some of the region's best, such as Lakes Artists' vice-president Phil Hobbs; painter and craftsman Robin Dale; bird life images from retired Arnside architect Alan Close; plus work from another outstanding creator Vivienne Pooley, with her tried and tested landscape paintings and new 'geometric' direction.

From Tim Bulmer's modestly priced cheeky etchings, starting at £40, to the top of the range Phil Hobb's Appleby Horse Fair original at a cool £7,350, and much in-between, Gallery H has it covered.

Gallery H is open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am-5pm (closed 1-2pm for lunch) then on Saturday from 10am-4pm and on Sunday from 11am-4pm (no lunch break).

Private viewing is by appointment.

For further details contact 01524-761762.