DORSET’S most talented craftspeople will be making an exhibition of themselves at the end of this month.

The county’s Arts and Crafts Association is holding its annual celebration of talents, with more than 1,000 pieces of work going on show.

This is the 96th year that the organisation has held the week-long event which for the past 10 years has taken place at Bovington Middle School.

Association spokeswoman Chris Russell said: “The exhibition takes up an entire floor of the school and is a magnificent sight, with several hundred people bringing in more than 1,000 exhibits.

“There is so much talent pout there and it is wonder- ful that people will come and support it.”

Last year the exhibition had more than 70 quilts on show, which made things logistically interesting for organisers. This year there will be a special exhibition of beading, as well as displays of everything from needlecraft and painting, rural crafts such as hurdle-making, pottery, crocheting, smocking, glassware, modelling, jewellery and more.

The Arts and Crafts Association was set up by the county’s gentry to keep their workers out of trouble.

“The aim was to keep them active,” said Chris. “They took part in the traditional crafts such as sewing and knitting, making Dorset buttons and lace. Over time it has also embraced photography and painting.

“We are also keen to get more children involved. There was a time when youngsters all knew how to sew and knit, but not so much now, which is a shame. But they are the exhibitors of the future and it is through them that we keep the traditional skills alive.”

This year the association has teamed up with Dorset Wildlife Trust for a children’s competition. Inspired by the 2010 Year of Biodiversity, young entrants must come up with a design, no bigger than A4, celebrating the wonderful diversity of Dorset’s wildlife.

There are also workshops for children to take part in.

The closing date for entry applications is July 26, with a hand-in date of August 2.

The exhibition runs from August 6 to 10 at Bovington Middle School.

For further details or to volunteer go to dorsetartsand crafts.org