HUNDREDS of art lovers will be flocking to Ledbury from Saturday, September 6, to catch up with local talent during the annual h'Art event.

A veteran of the nine-day "open studio" celebration is Valerie McLean, of The Garth, who has been exhibiting each year during h'Art, without fail, since the event started in 2002.

She said: "I am one of the few artists to have done h-Art every single year. It started with small beginnings, with just a few people coming in, and now I get 300 or 400 people in a week, which is a lot.

"The event gives people the chance to visit artists' studios, which they would not normally do, and to see the materials being used."

Mrs McLean will be displaying original artwork for her recent book about Edward Thomas, alongside her May Hill paintings "and other work relating to sacred places in the landscape".

The county-wide celebration of art will run from Saturday, September 6 to September 14, and the Ledbury area will be well represented, with the familiar pink signs showing the way.

Mrs McLean said: "Once again Ledbury has more artist's venues taking part in this prestigious annual art event than any other town or area, including Hereford city.

"For example, Textile artist, Angie Hughes will share her studio in the Homend with Jeanette McCullogh and equestrian portrait artist, Claire Verity will open in the historic Tilley Printworks, off the High Street."

In total, around ten artists in the local area will be taking part, and entrance to all studios will be free.

Brochures for h'Art are available at tourist information centres, libraries and hotels throughout the county.