Art lovers will be spoilt for choice when one of the largest open studio events in the country returns next week.

Dorset Arts Weeks starts on Saturday and runs for 16 days.

More than 300 artists are set to take part in the event, now in its 26th year.

Anyone interested in art is invited to explore the studios, meet the artists, buy original works or commission new pieces.

One of the largest venues taking part is St Michael’s Studios in Bridport, where 17 artists are opening their studios.

Artists include Kit Glaisyer, Caroline Ireland, David Brooke, Charlotte Miller, Marion Taylor, Peggy Cozzi, Russ Snedker, Isla Chaney, Rob Morgan, Squirrell Bindery and Press, Fi Neylan Hats, Jennie Hanrahan, plus Studio in the Attic with Sally Davies, Elizabeth Sporne and Neil Barnes.

Artists new to the studios include Peggy Cozzi, an abstract painter who works in oils and acrylics and shows at the Mall Galleries in London. Russ Snedker has recently returned to Bridport from Dubai, where he worked as an artist and photographer. He will be showing new graphic works. Abstract painter Rob Morgan makes colourful pieces influenced by the American Abstract Expressionists.

Sculptor Isla Chaney is a graduate of the Royal College of Art and on the floor above there's the Studio in the Attic, with creative photographer Sally Davies, portrait painter Elizabeth Sporne and photographer Neil Barnes, who celebrates 40 years in the profession.

There's also Kit Glaisyer, showing new figurative works and his atmospheric West Dorset landscapes.

St Michael's Studios will open between10am and 5pm daily.

Elsewhere, for the first year, Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) will open four of its visitor centres, displaying art exhibitions inspired by the natural world.

These include The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, and the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre.

The exhibitions consist of art work inspired by local wildlife and landscapes through photography, illustrations, paintings, watercolour, sculpture, pottery and wire sculpture work and 100 per cent of the profits raised during art weeks will be spent on vital wildlife conservation work in Dorset.

Dorset Art Weeks runs from Saturday to Sunday, June 10.

For more information, visit stmichaelsartist.com or dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/dorsetartweeks2018