ARTISTS and artisans will once again be opening their studio doors as the popular Silverdale and Arnside Art and Craft Trail returns for a 13th year,

A talented bunch of new exhibitors will be bringing a fresh perspective to the event - showcasing their work alongside internationally known artists such as John Baldwin and new exhibitor Iman Kakai and many local artists and makers including Tracy Levine.

The free trail is to be hosted by the neighbouring villages of Silverdale and Arnside from Friday, June 23 to Sunday, June 25, at nine key locations and more than 30 smaller venues and studios.

Organisers say the 'iconic landscape' of the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the edge of Morecambe Bay, is the perfect backdrop to inspire artists and craftspeople. The wealth of talent on show will include several newcomers to the trail, such as:

- Lake District craftsman Duncan Copley, whose bespoke furniture and sculptures unlock the grain patterns of native woods, and reflect the local landscape and coastal inlets

- four students from Carnforth High School who are exhibiting for the first time, and whose imaginative work explores a variety of media and techniques

- Sarah Hampson, a Lancashire-born textile artist whose creations combine printing and stitch techniques, inspired by the landscape of Arnside, Silverdale and the Lake District

- and Silverdale photographer James Park, whose work is underpinned by the belief that "even the most familiar spaces offer a novel and inspiring background at different times and seasons".

The art trail is to feature a shuttle bus and free park-and-ride, as well as children's book readings, music recitals and demonstrations of coppice work.

To find out more, visit www.silverdalearttrail.co.uk