THE ancient Roman town of Ariconium at Weston-under-Penyard is the inspiration for a Millennium exhibition starting in May.

'Ariconium 2000' features work by five local artists based on Roman artefacts found.

Pottery, ironwork, jewellery and collages will all be included in the exhibition, organised by artist Michele Seddon-Harvey.

She said: "It's impossible not to get drawn into finding out more about this 2,000-year-old culture. The Romans must have had an enormous impact on the local population."

Michele researched the Roman artefacts with archaeologists Judy Stevenson and Sarah Skelton at Hereford Museum.

They examined ironwork, pottery, bronze and glass jewellery from Ariconium and other local sites, including Magna, now better known as Kenchester.

Artists taking part in the exhibition include Joan Doherty, a professional potter, and Peter Norton, who uses traditional techniques to produce forms in iron.

Debbie King, has experience of making jewellery using Roman coins, while Rowan Seddon-Harvey has interpreted present-day Ariconium in evocative photographs.

The exhibition, at the Stable Gallery, Weston-under-Penyard, has received financial assistance from the Millennium Festival Awards for All scheme.

It runs from Monday May 1 to June 6. More information on 01989 565422.