AN art gallery was named the best in the country at an awards ceremony in London.

Platinum Galleries, based in Northallerton and the Psyche Department Store, in Middlesbrough, won art retailer of the year category in the Fine Art Trade Guild's 2007 awards.

Owners Andy and Maureen Close, from Stockton, beat four other businesses to pick up the accolade at a ceremony in the Shaw Theatre on Saturday night.

Two artists whose work features prominently in Platinum Galleries also won awards.

Henderson Cisz was named best-selling published artist of the year and Philip Gray won up-and-coming published artist of the year.

Mr Gray will be appearing at the gallery in South Parade, Northallerton, on June 15.

Mr Close said: "It is unbelievable for a gallery in the North-East to win art gallery of the year.

"It shows that people's attitudes towards art in this area are changing.

"What it proves is that you don't have to travel south to find the best artwork. It is right here on our doorstep.

"It is overwhelming and helps to dispel this myth that the region is only about whippets and flat caps."

The couple set up in business two years ago after giving up jobs working with special needs children in County Durham.