ARTISTS, sculptors, potters and photographers are among a string of talented artisans who are inviting the public into their studios for the Malmesbury area’s first ever arts and crafts trail this month.

It is intended that the two-day event which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27 will showcase the high quality and individualistic work of those involved in the area’s arts and crafts scene.

Kim Langley, of Roki Pottery in Easton Grey, who organised the event, said: “I am really excited about the trail. Many local artisans have really been enthusiastic about opening their studios and workshops to the public.”

A potter for more than 30 years, she added: “There is a huge and diverse range of artisans on the trail from artists, potters, jewellers and photographers to felters, bronze and stone sculptors.”

Mrs Langley, who has exhibited her work widely, floated the idea of a local arts trail among fellow craftspeople on Facebook at the start of the year and received an emphatic response.

She said: “I thought that with the number of gifted and vibrant people in the Malmesbury area we needed exposure to the wider community of what we had to offer.”

Mrs Langley said that as well as showcasing and selling their pieces to the public, the event also aimed to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and donation buckets will be at all of the venues.

She said: “The nicest thing is that this event has brought the artisan community together and we will be trying to hold this event annually.”

Venues in Malmesbury, Pinkney, Lea, Easton Grey, Sherston and Foxley will be taking part in the trail and will be open on both days from 10am -5pm.

A glossy programme with a map and guide has been produced and costs £2, with proceeds going to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

They are available at the town hall or via the website www.malmesburyartsandcraftstrail.co.uk.