ARTWORK has been flooding in after the Mayor of Dudley issued a challenge as part of efforts to mark this year's Black Country Festival.

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley, has invited artists and photographers to come up with a picture that captures the “spirit of the Black Country” for a chance to have their work framed and hung in the Mayor's parlour.

The challenge is part of a month-long celebration of the region and to date more than 30 works of art have been submitted in the week in which the annual Black Country Day was marked on July 14.

Artists and photographers have been showcasing the region in all its glory - depicting people, industrial settings and key landmarks across the Black Country.

Cllr Stanley, the Mayor, said: "The response in just a few days has been overwhelming. We really do have some talented people in the Black Country and I am delighted they have been showcasing their skills in this way.

"There’s still time for people to submit their paintings or photography, but the closing date isn’t that far away so people need to get their entries in quickly. It will be a real honour to be able to hang it in the Mayor’s parlour as part of this year’s celebrations."

Hundreds of people will be able to view the winning picture when it is displayed in the Mayor's parlour which frequently hosts civic engagements, high-profile visitors to the borough plus many representatives from community groups and charities.

There is no criteria for entries in the art competition but they must be submitted by August 14 and be available for display in Dudley's Council House.

People are asked to submit their entries on social media via #BCFestivalOnline and the Mayor will choose the winning design to hang in the parlour. Entries can also be emailed to capa.events@dudley.gov.uk.