NOTTINGHAM'S business community was in Downing Street – for a private viewing of nine paintings from the collection of Nottingham City Museums and Galleries.

Members of Invest in Nottingham joined East Midlands property firm Innes England at the reception held at Number 10 to see the collection of paintings, which included works by L S Lowry and Notts-born William Nicholson.

The paintings are on loan to Downing Street from the city.

Each year, the Government Art Collection helps to promote important collections held by regional UK museums, by borrowing paintings for display at Downing Street.

"It is a tribute to the quality of Nottingham's art collection that nine British paintings from the first half of the 20th Century were selected for loan in 2010-11," said Paul Southby, of the Invest in Nottingham Club.

"This reception, building on the work of Nottingham City Museums and Galleries, was an opportunity to view the paintings in this prestigious location and to celebrate some of Nottingham's cultural treasures."

Tim Garratt, of Innes England, said: "We are a company which is keen to support the arts.

"Innes England is the founding business benefactor at Nottingham Contemporary – paving the way for other local businesses to get involved.

"This event gave us the opportunity to invite business leaders from Nottingham and London and show them how innovative the city is."

At the reception were members of Invest in Nottingham, Nottingham City Museums and Galleries, Westfield, Davidsons, Pendragon, Experian, Cedar House Investments, and Miller Birch.