BRANDLESHOLME could be a big draw for budding artists and photographers with the launch of an art contest.

Organisers of the "Beautiful Brandlesholme" competition are looking for photographs, drawings or paintings of the area from those who are part of the community or have a close association with Brandlesholme.

Launched by the Brandlesholme Festival Committee, entries will feature in a display at Brandlesholme Methodist Church on September 18 and 19 when the public can visit and vote for their favourite. Winners will have their artwork subsequently displayed at Bury's MASA Art Gallery, with prizes for the winner of the drawing, painting and photograph categories. Entrants will be judged in three age groups: up to 11 years; 12-17 years; and adults over 18 years.

People can enter up to three pieces of work and the closing date for entries is Saturday September 12, and there will be a charge for those over the age of 12 of £2 per entry.

Deirdre Watson, festival secretary, said: "In addition to the general competition, we are asking all three primary schools to get involved and have a competition in-house, choose a class winner from each category and enter these into the main competition."

The Brandlesholme Festival Committee will round off the competition with a family, fun-filled hoedown evening on Saturday September 19 at All Saints Church.

People can find out more by contacting Deirdre Watson on 07917 261 862 or via e-mail at scarecrowbury@gmail.com