The future of an art gallery threatened with closure is looking brighter thanks to a campaign group set up to save it.

The group has increased visitor numbers by ten per cent, following a series of events it has held to attract more interest.

The Smith Art Gallery in Rydings Park, Halifax Road, Brighouse, was one of two buildings highlighted for closure under Calderdale Council's Best Value review in 2001. The other was Heptonstall Museum near Hebden Bridge.

Campaign group Friends of Rydings Park - which now has more than 100 members - was set up to oppose the proposed closure and has organised several special events to boost visitor numbers.

Events throughout the year included a poetry evening with Barrie Rutter, an antiques evening, an old-time music hall event, a local history exhibition and lectures by Chris Helme, a mystic evening, an evening with soap scriptwriter David Lane and exhibitions by artists Paul Talbot-Greaves and Peter Brook.

One member said events had already been organised for next year.

She said: "The events have brought an extra 464 people into the gallery. A lot may revisit once they realise it is there. I don't think it will close in the forseeable future but that does not guaranteee it will stay open forever."

Councillor Colin Stout (Ind, Brighouse) said: "Since the group was formed, it has increased the footfall of visitors by ten per cent. I think once assured of its future, the group can really get on with it. I believe its future is safe for the next five years at least."

He said the group still needed volunteers to build on the success of past events and to ensure next year is as successful.

"It is the only purpose-built art gallery in Calderdale and houses a Brighouse collection worth more than £2.5 million," he said.

The decision to examine the Victorian gallery's future viability came after the Council announced the £17,000 running costs of the building were too high. When the plans were made public, there was strong opposition from people living in the area and a petition of 6,000 names was collected opposing its proposed closure.

Calderdale Council's scrutiny panel will meet in January to discuss the future of the building and a final decision is expected to be made at a council Cabinet meeting in February.