MONMOUTH Festival is expanding to include all types of local artists for the annual nine-day event which takes place between July 28 and August 5.

However, time is running out for those planning to take advantage of the 'open studio' for visual artists as the deadline for applications is fast approaching.

The idea is simple - any artists in Monmouth or the surrounding five miles wishing to be included should contact the organiser, Richard Corbett, a print-maker, by April 15 and they will then be included in posters and a map to be included in the festival brochure, which will be published in June.

It is hoped that the artists' work will be incorporated into an exhibition. Festival chairman Simon Brown said: "This is a new venture for the festival as we want to broaden our activities out from their current performing arts base.

"And we hope from this modest beginning that something akin to the hugely successful Forest of Dean open studio will grow. So its over to you, the visual artists of Monmouth to show that you care."

Artists should email Richard at suffolkginger@aol.com by this weekend with their contact details, a short description of their artwork and an image of less than 600k.

l Last week, the festival committee chairman Simon Brown was honoured as the 2006 Area Volunteer for central Monmouthshire at the new annual Monmouthshire Volunteer Achievement Awards.

In thanking the organisers for his certificate and mug Mr Brown said: "This is a really valuable acknowledgment of the work that the entire festival team puts in all the year round to bring this fantastic event to fruition, and I am happy to accept it on all of their behalves."

He added, with his tongue firmly in his cheek: "This is also a useful opportunity to repeat that we need some more mugs to come and help organise this year's carnival."

Anyone able to help should contact info@monmouthfestival. co.uk or message line 07756 974092.