STAFF and visitors at Orleans House Gallery had one last chance to convince judges it was worthy of one of art's biggest cash prizes.

Film director Lord David Puttnam and The Arts Council's director of arts and education Maggie Semple visited the gallery a week before announcing this year's winner of the £100,000 Art Fund Prize, which will be announced on June 18.

The pair of judges were given a tour of Orleans House, on Twickenham Riverside, met the artists in residence and local children and young mums who were taking part in workshops.

Richmond councillor Liz Jaeger, cabinet member for youth, culture and Leisure, said:“It was a pleasure to show Lord Puttnam and Maggie Semple around and give them a real flavour of what our Orleans House is all about.

“We’ve been praised for the inventiveness and passion of our work, particularly the exhibitions and education programmes we run, on what is a relatively small budget. Our staff work tirelessly to make the gallery one of the best in the country, something the nomination recognises.

"We’re holding our breath in anticipation of the results, but regardless of the outcome Orleans House, together with the rest of the Arts Service, will continue to go from strength to strength and be something the local community can both enjoy and be proud of.”

The gallery has been shortlisted for the prize, along with Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, Ruthin Craft Centre in Denbighshire and Wedgwood Museum.

There was an extra boost for the gallery this week when the Richmonds of the World Group, which represents those living in places named Richmond, encouraged people from around the world to vote in an online poll.

The results of the poll, which closed yesterday, will count as one vote of eight, when the panel of seven judges make their final decision.