A NEW group, the Three Shires Craft Guild, has been set up to promote the expertise of various craftspeople across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.

Secretary Pat Barber, of Church Street, Birlingham, said: "It is not intended as competition for other crafts guilds but rather as a complement to them."

On July 13 the group holds a craft fair at No 8 in Pershore between 10am and 4pm.

Members will display items including pottery, salt dough, cross stitch novelties and cards, toys, glasssware and wooden novelties. Any other craftspeople interested in exhibiting should contact Pat Barber on 01386 750350.

The cost of a stand is £15, and it is hoped that regular fairs will be held at the venue.

Mrs Barber added: "At present the Guild has only a small membership, but it is hoped that numbers will increase and the number of fairs will increase in all three counties."

Membership costs £10 and anyone interested can contact Mrs Barber, Joan Strong, chairman, on 01386 759475, or Helen Boulton, treasurer, on 01684 291310.