BUDDING artists are being invited to capture scenes of Herefordshire orchards in an art competition.

Children and adults can submit their artistic interpretations of orchards in a painting, drawing or collage format in a competition which is being run by Tidnor Wood Orchard Trust, Hereford Cider Museum and Herefordshire Orchards Community Evaluation Project.

England has lost more than half of its orchards in the last 50 years but Herefordshire with 10,000 acres, has the largest remaining acreage.

A two-year study of six orchards by the Herefordshire Orchards Community Evaluation Project has highlighted that orchards are not just a source of locally grown food and drink but sites for biodiversity and protection against climate change.

The competition closing date is September 1 and the winner of each class will receive £50, have an apple tree at Tidnor Wood Orchard Trust dedicated to them and life membership of the trust.

Entries should be no larger than A3 with contact details on the back and there are three categories - up to 11, 11-18 and 18+.

The best 12 entries may feature in a Tidnor Wood Orchard calender and schoolchildren winners will win a free visit to the cider musuem for their class.

All short-listed entries will also form part of an exhibition by artist Edwina Bridgeman at Hereford Cider museum which is taking place from September 9 to November 22.

Entries should be sent to Hereford Cider Museum, 21 Ryelands Street, Hereford, HR4 0LW.