Act quickly to see artwork at centre of £2.7m rescue appeal

Just 100 readers will be able to study in close detail Pieter Brueghel the Younger's stunning 1602 work The Procession to Calvary at York Art Gallery on December 2.

For just 15, visitors will be treated to an intimate evening of artistic discussion, with expert curators on hand to explain the vibrant biblical scene of Jesus dragging his cross to crucifixion.

The evening is part of a massive fundraising campaign to keep the painting at Nostell Priory near Wakefield, where it has been for more than 200 years.

The family who own the work want to sell, meaning it is at risk of being bought by a private collector. The National Trust, which owns Nostell Priory and has been putting on guided tours since the 1950s, does not want to see that happen.

The heritage charity has joined forces with the Art Fund to secure 2.7m to buy the work.

After being hung at the National Gallery in London the painting has since moved to York Art Gallery, where people can see it free until Christmas.

Janet Barnes, chief executive of York Museums Trust, said: "We hope that by showing it here in York we can help raise awareness of the Art Fund's work as well as helping to secure this painting for Yorkshire so that it can be enjoyed for years to come."

Tickets for the evening, which runs from 6.30pm to 8.20pm on December 2, can be bought at yorkshirepost.eventbrite.com. They cost 15 and all proceeds go to the fundraising total, which now stands at 900,000. People will also be given a glass of wine upon arrival. Donations can be made via www.artfund.org/procession.