A NEW strategy to develop and promote the arts across Worcestershire has been launched.

The project will be delivered by the Worcestershire Arts Partnership (WAP) and is titled 1,000 Days – representing the three years it will run.

Guest speakers at the launch event included Charlotte Gregory, from theatre company Vamos, Oakley Flanagan, the county's Young Poet Laureate, and Sally Morgan, of Worcestershire Open Studios.

The event also saw the formal resignation of the former WAP chair Professor Judith Elkin, and the confirmation of the new chair Anne Hannaford.

Professor Elkin said: "Creative thinking and innovation are critically important to the health and wealth of the nation.

"I wish the Worcestershire Arts Partnership and the 1,000 days strategy every success under the leadership of its new chair."

Compèring the launch was council arts officer Steve Wilson, who said: "The launch was an exceptional and inspiring event but for me the hard work starts here."

The strategy aims to strengthen and develop the arts across the county, and focuses on five key areas: ambition, arts and health, children and young people, the economy and artist development.