WORKS by the Staithes group of painters feature largely in the first picture sale of the year to be held at Phillips of Leeds.

Tuesday's sale, at 11am, also includes a collection of oil paintings, watercolours and prints ranging from the 18th to the late 20th century.

Staithes was an important movement in modern British painting when a number of noted artists turned to the traditional life of the fisher folk, the bright light and beautiful Yorkshire coastline for inspiration.

Of the Staithes group is a scene depicting Shepherds and Sheep on a Wooden Footbridge by Leeds-born artist Owen Bowen, (1873-1967), estimated to fetch £2,000, and Henry Roland Hill's (1873-1952), A Summer Landscape.

The popularity of Leeds-born artist John Atkinson Grimshaw has resulted in high prices for many of his followers who were inspired by his mystical use of moonlight and reflection. Walter Meegan's depiction of A Moonlight Country Lane is expected to fetch up to £1,200 and A Moonlight Lake Scene by Sebastian Pether should sell for around £2,500.

The sale also includes work by Darlington-born artist Sonia Lawson, daughter of artist parents Muriel Metcalfe and Fred Lawson and an associate of the Royal Academy.

Hanging on the Wind - Windswept Wensleydale, oil on canvas, is expected to fetch £600-£800.

Viewing times are: Sunday, 11am-3pm; Monday, 10am-4pm and 5-7.30 and on the morning of the sale there islimited viewing, 9am-10.45.