A popular arts exhibition has officially returned for its 46th edition last night.

Fifteen of the best designers and makers from across the North of England have taken over a historic venue in a stunning Cumbrian location for the month of August, showcasing the best of local skill and creativity.

The Craftsmen at the Priory exhibition and sale has taken place in the Dacre Hall alongside Lanercost Priory near Brampton since 1978.

This year’s exhibition runs from Wednesday 31 July through until Tuesday 27 August and is open from 10am to 5pm every day. The event brings together work by a wide range of artists and makers under one historic and impressive roof.

Local fine art and abstract photographer Tricia Meynell said: "The Dacre Hall is an amazing venue with its vaulted wooden ceiling, huge fireplace and gorgeous gothic windows. As always, we’ve a core team of artists and craftspeople organising the event and we’ll be joined this year by nine guests, all but one based in Cumbria, Northumberland or County Durham and each one exhibiting with us for the first time."

Tricia works with Denise Huddleston (textile artist and print maker), Carolyn Marr (ceramicist), Julia Neubauer (knitwear designer) and Richard and Mary Kennedy (furniture maker/woodcarver and artist respectively) to pull together a stunning annual exhibition.

She added: "Each year, we set out to gather exhibitors who show the quality and variety of contemporary craft and creativity. Members of the core team will have new work for sale and we’re also pleased to welcome a range of guests. Their skills range from leather work and wood carving to weaving and papermaking as well as ceramics, silver jewellery, rug making, painting and printing."

This year’s artists and makers are: Adele Burdon (painter), Judith Favret (paper maker), Kathy Kemp (painter), Anne Kerr (leather worker), Cazz Nash (ceramicist), Rachel Phillimore (rug maker), Barbara Runkel (woodworker), Sue Steenson (silver jewellery maker) and David Whitaker (weaver).

Many of those taking part also produce cards featuring their work so there will be plenty to see and buy across a wide range of prices. Admission costs £1.