Brierley Hill-based glass artist Vic Bamforth has exhibited his work in the USA, Japan, and Dubai but will this be enough to see him crowned Dudley's King of Culture?

The 55 year old, of Limes Avenue, is hoping to win the council-backed contest after devoting the last few years to the glass industry in the borough.

After moving to Brierley Hill from Buckinghamshire in 2001, Vic has plied his trade as a glass artist and blower alongside his brother Ian at the Red House Glass Cone, Wordsley, after studying his craft at Dudley College.

Vic reveals he is sad glass firms such as Royal Brierley Crystal are dying out.

Hull-born Vic, who gives regular glass blowing demonstrations with his brother, said: "You either love glass or you hate it - we're addicted to it.

"It's such an incredible material to work with. Glass is the perfect canvas to work on. My work is quite quirky. I came here in 2001 and studied at Dudley College. I decided to come to the International Glass Centre in Moor Street, Brierley Hill.

"I concentrate on different subject matter, I'm doing a still life series at the moment. We are trying to put the borough on the map and build up an international reputation as glass artists. It would be quite an interesting thing to become the King of Culture."

One lucky winner will act as the cultural ambassador for the borough, turning up at events and promoting what Dudley has to offer. They will be crowned in the autumn.

To enter the competition, download the survey from Dudley Council's website at www.dudley.gov.uk, answer the questions and fill in your name, address and why you want to be the King or Queen of culture. Then post it to What's Your Culture?, Marketing and Communications, Freepost MID22308, Dudley Council DY1 1BR.