DORSET Art Weeks, the UK's largest open studios event, starts tomorrow and runs until Saturday, June 7.

More than 300 studios are throwing wide their doors for the fortnight, with over 800 artists and craftspeople taking part and also welcoming the public into their homes.

Visual arts will rub shoulders with pottery, ceramics, textile designs, carving and so much more over the two weeks and artists say they are delighted that they have this opportunity to meet visitors and chat to them about their work.

"Art should be for everyone," said Weymouth artist Jan Walker, who is opening her house with husband and potter David. "It shouldn't be stuffy and off-putting and Dorset Art Weeks is the perfect chance for members of the public to see that."

Another artist, Pam Tetzner, who is showing her work at her Buckland Ripers home with fellow painter Rein Fulleylove, said she welcomed more than 400 visitors during the last Dorset Art Weeks two years ago.

Dorset Art Weeks is a county-wide event which has been running on alternate years since 1992. Studios, galleries and homes involved should be clearly signposted with distinctive DAW arrows.

Art Weeks brochures are also available in shops, libraries, TICs, galleries and elsewhere.

For further details call 01305 853100 or log on to dorsetartweeks.co.uk