Builders carrying out improvements at a city art gallery have unearthed a room hidden from the public for more than 50 years.

The discovery was made as workers removed a wall between Leeds Art Gallery and the adjacent central library to open up the Victorian Tiled Hall.

Marble columns, ornate tiles and a stunning ceiling are now on view for the first time since the 1950s.

Many of the decorative parts had been hidden behind false walls and plasterboard.

Staff had used the room for storage.

The two buildings are undergoing a £1.5m refurbishment.

The hall will house a cafe, shop, computers and comfortable seating. The archway will allow people to move between the art gallery and library.

The project will also see the creation of an exhibition area in the art gallery, capable of hosting major national and international exhibitions.

Councillor John Procter, executive member for leisure, said: "This is a tremendously exciting project which will really open up our valuable art and learning resources to the people of Leeds and beyond."

Funding for the restoration project has come from Leeds City Council and development agency Yorkshire Forward and work is expected to be complete by May next year.