Artists and photographers are being asked to take a fresh look at Sudbury’s “hidden gem” heritage buildings as part of a popular local art challenge.

The biennial Visions of Sudbury art show will return to the town this October featuring locally inspired work by artists from across the area.

This year in addition to the main exhibition in St Peter’s Church, Market Hill, there will be a display of work by photographers in Sudbury Town Hall.

This year there is a strict competition brief with entrants being asked to feature one or more of the town’s 247 Heritage Listed buildings.

After the show, the Sudbury Society which sponsors the event also hopes to produce a ‘coffee table’ style book and website about Sudbury’s listed properties, containing some of the best artistic works and photographs from the show.

Exhibition organiser and artist, Robin Drury, said: “This year we have a very specific theme that we would like both artists and photographers to respond to in a creative way.

“Most people are unaware that Sudbury has a huge number of listed buildings – that is properties with special historic interest. There are actually 247 of them.

“We want to highlight this aspect of Sudbury’s character by getting creative people to give their impressions of these buildings, or groups of buildings and their surroundings.”

The photographic show is a new addition to the growing competition. Mr Drury added: “Because we are now actively encouraging artwork from a younger audience – from those aged 11 years and upwards – we feel that there is room for a separate photographic section.”

The Sudbury Society, of which Mr Drury is vice chairman, is also offering cash prizes for the best pieces of work as an extra incentive for artists to contribute their work.

To promote the run-up to the exhibition and provide initial inspiration, there will be a ‘Big Draw’ style event on May 16 in the centre of Sudbury.

People are being encouraged to bring along their sketch books or cameras to get started on finding suitable subjects. Mr Drury and fellow artist Michele Webber will be at Gainsborough’s statue from 11.30am to offer advice. There will be a chance to compare notes over a coffee later in the day.

The Visions of Sudbury show will take place between October 6 and 11.

For more information and for an entry form, go to sudburycreatives.com