LEADING arts and crafts people have been brought together by a new organisation.

Arts in Richmondshire (AiR) has launched Richmondshire Arts and Crafts Guild to promote the work of its members.

The guild has been awarded three years of funding for the project from the Arts Council of England. Part of the funding will allow the group to take on a professional administrator.

Andrew Hague, potter and chairman of the guild, said: "We are committed to producing arts and crafts of a world class standard and are absolutely thrilled to receive this very significant funding award which will allow us to make Richmondshire a thriving centre of arts and crafts."

Membership is open to professionals or those who want to become professional.

Members include felt artist, Andrea Hunter, photographer, Emma Amsden, sculptor, Michael Kusz, candle-maker, Jennie White, furniture maker, Philip Bastow, artist/illustrator, Piers Browne, potter, Simon Shaw and sculptor, Shirley Nichols.

For membership details, call Jennie White on (01969) 623544.

Published: 16/01/2004