ARTS collective Creative Cradley Heath is holding an arts taster day in April to showcase the talent in the town.

The creative experience day on Saturday, April 5 will incorporate creative writing, history walks, music, plaster casting, painting and several other artistic disciplines.

Creative Cradley Heath was set up last year in a bid to turn the town into the cultural hotbed of the borough after Sandwell Council announced the axing of The Public.

The group is made up of artists, historians writers, musicians, sculptures, designers and other people in the creative industries who have promised to pool resources for the good of Cradley Heath.

Artist Fran Wilde, chairman of the group, said: "The arts taster day is a way of us letting everyone know what is going on artistically in Cradley Heath and everyone is invited.

"We have so many talented people in this area and the taster day is the perfect way of showcasing talent and getting local people involved in the arts."

The event is being held from 10.30am until 3.30pm at The Oaks Project at Cradley Enterprise Centre, Maypole Fields.

Workshops include Ian Goddard holding a ukulele masterclass, he said: "You might be a complete beginner or a seasoned plucker but after this session you can expect to have mastered three simple songs to amaze and delight your family and friends."

There will also be a poetry lesson with Ros Goddard, plaster casting with Alan Woodall, printmaking with Louise Blakeway and a history walk with Vicki Darby Smith.

Artist Chris Self, founder of The Oaks Project, will also be holding a workshop.

He said: "I would like to introduce you to the relaxing and absorbing craft of silk painting and ollowing a short tutorial the workshop there will be 'hands on' and all participants will take away a completed piece of work."

Cradley Heath and Old Hill Councillor John Tipper is backing the event.

He said: "I have been to several of the Creative Cradley Heath meetings and it is fascinating to see what is going on artistically on our doorstep.

"This taster day will be great for anyone who has always wanted to get involved in the arts but never has got around to it."

The next Cradley Heath Creative meeting is on Monday at 5pm, Cradley Heath Library, for more information about the group visit the Cradley Heath Creative Facebook page.