Quintessential England is among the themes featuring in an arts trail which returns to west Wiltshire later this month for the fifth time, with more than 280 artists exhibiting across 84 venues.

This biennial trail will see studios, workshops and galleries set up within a 12-mile radius of the centre of the Wylye Valley near Warminster, from May 30 until June 7.

Jane Eaton, 62, of Southwick, near Trowbridge, will be one of six artists to form part of the ‘Quintessentially English’ themed exhibit at the Angel Inn in Upton Scudmore, between Westbury and Warminster.

She said: “We are in economically difficult times and I thought a ‘quintessentially English’ theme would be up-lifting because the English always hold together in hard times - that’s what we do.”

The exhibit, which will be on show from 11am to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm daily, will include figurative, still-life, equestrian and pop art paintings.

Those taking part in the trail range from regionally and nationally acclaimed artists, to those who are beginning to make names for themselves locally.

Nick Andrew, co-ordintor of the arts trail, said: “Artists are often fairly reclusive creatures. The Wylye Valley Art Trail offers a rare opportunity to meet and talk to them about their ideas, inspirations and techniques.

“A wide range of high quality visual arts will be represented, including painting, sculpture, print-making, furniture making, jewellery, installation, digital art, ceramics, photography, glass and textiles.

“Many of the artists will be demonstrating their work, and you may also get the chance to have a go and get your hands dirty.”

Wylye Valley Art Trail guidemaps are available from tourist information centres or online at www.wvat.co.uk These provide details of the 84 venues, a map of the art trail area, a preview of the work which can be seen, directions and opening times.