Artists of all ages and abilities are being invited to take part in the Big Outdoor Staffordshire Art Project as part of this year's Staffordshire Day celebrations.

Staffordshire Day is held on 1st May each year and is when the county comes together to share its pride and celebrate all that's great about the county.

This year's theme is the great outdoors and Staffordshire County Council now wants people to submit drawings and art of their favourite outdoor location in the county.

Selected artwork will be reprinted, enlarged and displayed on lampposts, bus stops and other advertising displays across the county in the run up to the celebration.

Paintings, drawings and sketches will all be considered and the deadline for submissions is 31st March 2022.

Artwork can be handed into local libraries, emailed to [email protected] or posted to, Communications Department, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Place, Tipping Street, Stafford, ST16 2DH.

Philip White, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for tourism at Staffordshire County Council said: "This year's theme for our Staffordshire Day celebration is the great outdoors and is why we've organised this arts project.

"We're all looking forward to celebrating our amazing countryside and open spaces and what better way to do it than by featuring people's favourite places.

"This won't just help to shine a light on some of our most beautiful locations but will also highlight the importance of protecting them for future generations to enjoy.

"With national treasures like Cannock Chase, the Peak District, part of The National Forest and numerous country parks, we have so much to explore and be proud of.

"But in addition to our larger, more recognised locations we also have many smaller but equally as beautiful areas too.

"So whether it's the canal walk you take with your family on Sundays or the woodland where you walk your dog, please capture it in a painting or drawing and get it submitted."

A programme of Staffordshire Day events and activities are currently being planned including the Staffordshire Day Film Competition, which returns for a second year.

People can keep up to date with the events via the Enjoy Staffordshire website.