HEREFORDSHIRE has carved a niche for itself as a melting pot for original and good quality craft and this weekend's Contemporary Craft Fair is a perfect showcase for that.

About 60 craftspeople will be exhibiting at the Courtyard Centre for the Arts, 60% of whom have historically been from the county.

Promoted by Herefordshire Council, the craft fair is in its 13th year and runs from tomorrow (Friday) until Sunday.

In addition to the first-class jewellers, ceramacists, textile artists, basket makers, wire sculptors and leather workers, there is also furniture, sculpture and larger scale work.

Free blown glass inspired by the Arctic winters will be featured by the internationally renowned glass artist Clare Henshaw, winner of this year's new exhibitor award.

Rising star Shivani Patel, whose striking fine saw-pierced precious metals, will be fresh from the International Jewellery London Show in September.

Other exhibitors of exceptional quality include: Claudia Lis' cool, contemporary porcelain; Rebecca Gouldson's dramatic and innovative metalwork and a stunning new range of earthenware from the respected and collectable Patia Davis.

The fair gives visitors the opportunity to buy or commission work directly from the maker and there are plenty of affordable temptations on offer. You can get a sneak preview of the catalogue at www.craftfair.co.uk The fair is open tomorrow and Saturday from 10am to 6pm; then from 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

While you are in the building be sure not to miss the Made in Herefordshire exhibition, which is over all three gallery spaces and complements the craft with its cream of Herefordshire's art world.