CENTURIES ago the carpenters of Herefordshire went to the woods themselves to select oak trees for some of the finest timber-framed buildings in the country.

Among them was John Abel, known as the King's Carpenter, (1577-1674) creator of splendours such as Grange Court, Leominster, and humbler village homes, whose artistry in wood is of unique quality.

Herefordshire's distinctive black and white village heritage has become the focus of an equally unique tourism initiative.

Buildings fashioned from heart of oak - a material almost as hard as iron according to local expert Duncan James - provide a theme as sturdy as an oak beam at the heart of a Black & White Villages Audio Car Tour.

"It's a first - no other county has done this,'' said producer Fay Wrixon at the launch in the timber-framed New Inn, Pembridge.

The popular black and white trail through north Herefordshire has been brought to life for visitors with the new audio guide of local voices in the form of CD or tape.

Visitors motoring around the 45-mile trail can switch on to gain a unique insight on the buildings and landscape they see.

Contributors include Duncan James and Mark Hicks managing director of Border Oak, the Kingsland company specialising in timber-framed-buildings.

Retired Staunton-on-Wye doctor Brian Beach gives his views on what it is like living in an old oak-beamed house, while local tour guides talk about their favourite villages and buildings.

Listeners are also introduced to Kington's most infamous resident, Black Vaughan, by means of an alarmingly creepy soundtrack.

Penny Platts, of Marches Tours and Talks, which launched the project, said the group tapped on a wealth of local talents for the script, commentary, music, sound effects and technical know-how.

l The Black & White Villages audio car tour, Herefordshire's Hidden Extras, is available at £4.99 on CD or tape from tourist information centres and other visitor outlets.