September sees the arrival of an exciting new visual arts event for the county.

Branded h.Art, Herefordshire Art Week aims to be an annual showcase promoting the quality and diversity of the county's artists to local people.

Recently appointed co-ordinator of the event, Kate Bull said: "This is a significant new event for Herefordshire that will attract more visitors to the county and give local people the opportunity to see the range of artistic talent we have here.

"Arts and crafts is one of the few growing sectors in Herefordshire's rural economy.

"There are more than 300 artists and crafts makers working in the county and we want to bring their work together in a high profile event to highlight the quality, diversity and scope of art being made here."

The project will link with other initiatives such as the re-branding of Hereford as 'City of Living Crafts'.

In its initial year the week will focus on several group exhibitions in Hereford, with local gallery exhibitions and artists' open studio days taking place across the county.

This pilot year will also seek to generate ideas which can be developed in 2003, when the exhibition programme will be extended to include the county's market towns.

Artists living and working in Herefordshire who would like to show their work should contact Kate Bull on 01544 370637.

She wants to hear from local businesses, within and outside tourism, that want to be involved.

This year's event will run from Saturday, September 7 - 15 and is the first in a scheduled five year run.