FROM sculptures to paintings, pottery to photographs and jewellery to felt-work – people in Malmesbury experienced the wide variety of arts and crafts produced in the area over the weekend.

It proved an eye-opener for many visitors and the organisers of Malmesbury’s first arts and crafts trail were so pleased with the response that it will now become an annual event.

Around a dozen artisans flung open the doors of their studios and workshops for the two-day trail which showcased both high-quality and the individualistic work of those involved.

Kim Langley, of Roki Pottery in Easton Grey, whose idea it was to the stage the event, said: “It was a huge success and we had a tremendous response from public.

“People were amazed that the venues had artisans of the highest standard and bought, reserved or commissioned their work.”

Mrs Langley, a potter for more than 30 years, floated the idea of an arts trail because she felt there was such a huge and diverse range of talented artisans working in the area.

She posted her idea on Facebook and launched the event following an emphatic response from the area’s many gifted and vibrant arts and crafts people.

One of the key aims, she said, was “expose to the wider community what we had to offer.”

Mrs Langley said they would also be contacting Wiltshire Air Ambulance at the end of the week to send them a cheque form money donated by the public at collection boxes at all of the venues.

Not only were visitors shown how artists produced their wares they also got the chance to have a bash themselves.

Foxley-based stone carver and sculptor Sam Flintham said: “They had a go at carving which added to the experience.”

He went on: “I think the arts trail went really well. The public seemed pretty impressed at what they saw.

“People who visited all thought it was a really good idea. I also think it helped build up an arts community in the Malmesbury area.”