THE Rural Media Company’s new offices and studios are now open.

More than 80 guests were given a tour of the site in West Street, Hereford, last Friday.

Hereford MP Jesse Norman officially opened the premises before visitors heard from Lord David Puttnam via a video link.

Darren Henley, the new chief executive of Arts Council England, was also present.

He said: “Where there is creativity, talent and investment the creative industries can really thrive in rural communities.

Rural Media’s studios offer local communities, businesses and service providers a range of modern new facilities, which include a training studio with fully equipped video and A/V screening facilities.

Highly skilled technical, creative and development staff are also on hand to talk about any project large or small.

Nic Millington, Rural Media’s chief executive, outlined an exciting portfolio of new projects for the county including the charity’s latest community project, Golden Fire which will put the history of Herefordshire’s cider industry literally on the map through the creation of a tour app and exhibition.

The charity is also researching and developing a new hard hitting digital magazine produced with and for young people in Herefordshire.

“Opening these new creative digital facilities in the centre of Hereford is just the start of what, together with our partners, we believe is required to inspire talented young people, engage communities, create jobs and grow the local creative economy,” he added.

“We hope that anyone who is interested in taking advantage of the new digital landscape and applying imaginative, innovative ideas to their work and communications will come and talk to us.”