THE historic surroundings of Longleat House will be the setting for a recordbreaking art attempt later this month.

A giant canvas will be set up in the Great Hall as part of the national Big Draw event.

Visitors will be invited to draw pictures of themselves, friends or family members as organisers try and break the world record for the biggest group portrait ever created.

The 7th Marquess of Bath will launch the Longleat event on October 22 and will add his own sketch to the canvas.

Longleat curator Dr Kate Harris said she hoped the estate's collection of art, some of which dates back to the 16th century, would provide an inspiration to visitors.

"The idea is for every visitor to draw a picture either of themselves or one of their companions at Longleat," Dr Harris said.

"Each finished drawing will then be positioned by the artist on a huge canvas showing Longleat House as a backdrop to produce the giant group portrait

"The finished portrait will be preserved in the Longleat archives for future generations of visitors to enjoy."

During the launch Lord Bath will announce the winners of the Longleat Children's Art Competition and open up an exhibition of work sent in over the summer by children up to 14 years old.

The Big Portrait record attempt will run from October 21 until Halloween.