Broadcasting legend and charity champion Esther Rantzen will open the newest phase of Romsey’s community art gallery Rum’s Eg on Saturday (March 29).

Esther will be cutting the ribbon at the Education and Community spaces (Leckford Art Studio and Longstock Meeting Room) in the top floor of the premises at 27 Bell Street at 10.30am.

The event marks the completion of the renovation of the entire building, formerly Volumes bookshop, which also includes the creation of an award-winning art gallery and a cafe serving home cooked meals.

Rum’s Eg was set up by botanical artist Siriol Sherlock as a creative centre and run by a Community Interest Company to nurture and promote the rich and varied talents of Hampshire artists as well as to encourage the community involvement in art.

The backdrop to the opening will be a new exhibition, “Out of The Blue”, which features paintings, textiles, glass, metal, ceramics and jewellery which incorporate seascapes as well as nautical and sea life pieces. The event runs until April 20, and is open Tuesday to Sunday.