WOODLAND footpaths in Wensleydale are closed because of the foot-and-mouth crisis, but visitors can still enjoy their beauty by calling in at an art exhibition.

More than 70 paintings inspired by woods in the upper dale go on display at the Dales countryside museum at Hawes today. They are the work of Askrigg artists Judith Bromley and her husband, Robert Nicholls, and form the illustrations for her latest book, Come Down to the Wood, due to be launched in the autumn.

"I wrote and illustrated a book called Step into the Meadow in 1996 for the Yorkshire wildlife trust," she said. "It was very successful and this is a follow-up."

The exhibition, which forms part of the Swaledale festival, shows the whole woodland year in watercolours and gouache and runs until June 10, 10am-5pm daily.

"It is an opportunity for people to come into the dale to see the countryside in paintings," said Ms Bromley. "All these paintings are of a little wood which is out of bounds at the moment. I hope the exhibition will be something of a cheering-up event in the dale."

The couple were among the founders of the annual Askrigg exhibition 22 years ago.

Despite the loss of several advertised concerts and events, Swaledale festival starts on May 25 with a concert in Grinton church by the Prague-based Martinu quartet, followed on May 26 by concerts by the classical Indian sitar player, Purbayan Chatterjee, and the Swale Singers at Reeth memorial hall and Methodist church.

May 27 brings Yorkshire folk music from Magnetic North, also in Reeth, and Reeth brass band in Grinton church.

The baroque lute of Jakob Lindberg graces the acoustics of Reeth Methodist church, Downholme, on May 29 (5.15) and there will be New Orleans jazz from the Swale Valley Stompers at Reeth (8pm). On May 31, the South Yorkshire police band plays in Aysgarth; all at 7.30 unless shown.

The festival continues until June 10 with main concerts by the Fitzwilliam string quartet (Grinton, June 5), the Elastic Band (Hawes, June 6) and ends with the traditional final concert by the Northern Sinfonia orchestra (Grinton, June 10).

The Elastic band is a small orchestra of young musicians from the Royal College of Music who will give school workshops during the day and in the evening perform work created with the children, 7pm.

There are two literary events on June 7: at 1pm, George Grossmith's humorous and musical recital, very music hall and in the style of G&S, and, in the Georgian theatre royal, Richmond, Jane Austen and Colette, writers and musicians (tickets for the latter on 01748 823021)

Performances lost because of foot-and-mouth include the piano series at Askrigg and festival opera. Because of restrictions, check before travelling; ring 01969 622 217 or contact: www.swaledale-festival