Priceless artworks have been given to Swindon Museum and Art Gallery by an anonymous donor.

Among the 50 prints, paintings and drawings that have been handed over to the museum are works by internationally famous artists Duncan Grant and Michael Ayrton.

The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous but who museum staff say has strong Wiltshire connections, made the gift in appreciation of artist Meryl Ainslie. The former Swindon School of Art teacher is the founder of the Rabley Drawing Centre, a gallery and art school near Marlborough.

Sophie Cummings, curator at Swindon Museum and Gallery of Art, said: "It's a dream come true. There are some really amazing artists in the gift which we would never in a million years be able to afford.

"It's going to add to our collection in really exciting ways."

Staff at the centre did not know how much the new works would be worth on the open market, but it is likely to be high.

The new gift includes works by artists Martyn Brewster, Katherine Jones and Sara Lee, who have either worked or lived in Wiltshire.

Swindon's official art collection, which gallery staff say is one of the most significant collections of modern British art in the country, began in 1945 when local landowner HJP Bomford gifted 15 works of art to the town.

Curator Sophie thanked the anonymous donor who was the latest in a long line to leave art to the town.

"I hope it shows that there are collectors out there who really believe that people should have access to great art on their doorstep."

The donor gifted the art in appreciation of Meryl Ainslie's services to the arts. "The donor really credited Meryl as the one who inspired them to collect art," Sophie said.

Swindon art-lovers will be able to see some of the new works for themselves, when the gallery's new exhibition Lie of the Land opens on Tuesday July 19. The remainder of the collection will be displayed in the gallery from November. For more, visit: www.swindonmuseumandartgallery.org.uk.