AN art studio is to host a charity event on Thursday, September 27.

Roger Ellis Studios, in Ullingswick, will offer a drop-in day where visitors can view their substantial art book collection - possibly the largest of its kind in Herefordshire.

The books, which were originally donated to St Michael's Hospice shops in Hereford, have been purchased over the years by the studio.

The idea came about when Simon Parminter, a retired butcher, who volunteers at the hospice shops, started attending art classes at the studio two and a half years ago. When an art book was donated into the hospice shop he would then put it to onside ready to sell into the studio library.

At last count there were over 700 books on art and painting from Botticelli to Banksy, fine art to fun art, pre-history to post-modern.

The books provide a fabulous resource for the drawing and painting groups that meet up each week at The Crowns. As well as 'how to' books - drawing/watercolour etc. the studio also holds a huge range about individual artists.

So significant is the collection that the studio are naming the resource the Simon Parminter Art Library.

The studio will also be running future occasional charity drop in days so people can come in and browse.

There will be some art related books for sale and some for children. There will be artwork on show and Hereford prints by Caroline Whittaker for sale. Funds from these sales will go to St Michael's Hospice.

There will also be tea coffee and cakes to purchase and the money raised will go towards a defibrillator for the village to be installed in the old telephone box.

During the day local artist Roger Ellis will do occasional five minute talks about unusual art topics, and give hints and tips on drawing and painting.

The charity event will be held at Roger Ellis Studios, The Crowns, Ullingswick and more details are on the website roger-ellis.com or call 01432 820784 or 07905 666477.