THE Upstairs Gallery in Great Yarmouth has been named as one of Barclays Bank's top 100 businesses for trading places. The gallery is expected to have a major impact throughout the following months.

THE Upstairs Gallery in Great Yarmouth has been named as one of Barclays Bank's top 100 businesses for trading places.

The gallery is expected to have a major impact throughout the following months.

A multi award-winning organisation, the Upstairs Galleries is set in the new artisan complex at The Courtyard, operated by entrepreneur Joe Larter.

Opened on March 29, the gallery is said to have had a major impact for arts and businesses in this region.

With an arts portfolio of 2,500 artists on its books, the gallery has works on display by popular British artist Mark Ward, and world-renowned Great Yarmouth artist John Kiki.

The gallery is now expanding, trebling in size. A new extension is set to open on September 10 from 7.30-9.30pm to coincide with a series of works by Harry Baker and John Midgley in the main gallery.

This is an opportunity for all visitors to view the new extension, and talk to the artists about their work.

Michelle Payne, owner and manager of the Upstairs Gallery, will be on hand to discuss the new extension and the impact on the greater Yarmouth arts communities, including schools and colleges.

There are also plans to extend into workshops for the community, including adult workshops incorporating oil, watercolour, mixed media, jewellery making, felt and silk workshops. A series of children's after-school art classes will also be available.

For more information visit www.theupstairsgallery.co.uk or call 01493 857574.