SOME of what Hereford has to offer in the City of Culture bid was highlighted this morning with the chair of an art collective adding her voice to the cause.

Hereford's bid to be named City of Culture in 2021 was featured on BBC Radio 4 this morning and also on BBC Breakfast.

The bid is being launched on behalf of the whole of Herefordshire – an approach thought to be unique in the history of the competition, but one that is acceptable under its rules.

The BBC filmed Eleanor Kercher, chairman of Made in Ross, an art collective at the Ross Market House, which is supported by The Courtyard in Hereford.

She said: "It is different from the other bids because it is a very rural area. It is a different idea. It would be great for Ross.

"How do you get some funding for culture and design into a place like Ross? It is not a city but it is not totally rural. It is a market town and falls between the two. Being City of Culture would really put us on the map."

The piece also featured The Rural Craft Centre in Holme Lacy, run by Herefordshire & Ludlow College, Hereford's Courtyard Arts Centre, Hereford Cathedral and The Three Choirs Festival, and Golden Fire, a digital arts project due to launch in June which explores Herefordshire's cider heritage.

Ms Kercher added: "I think it just highlights the amount of creativity that there is around, particularly in south Herefordshire too. Thinking about Herefordshire Art Week there is always a lot of activity around Ledbury and Hereford but not so much around Ross.

"It really highlights there is a lot going on in Ross too. It is just a matter of finding it."

Coventry, Cardiff, Milton Keynes, Southend, Sunderland, Aberdeen and Paisley are also in the running for the City of Culture 2021.

Made in Ross is celebrating its 1st birthday on Saturday, May 28 from 12pm onwards. All welcome.