One of the region's most renowned art competitions has opened with the promise of an increased cash prize and an exhibition at Norwich's Sainsbury Centre for top entry.

The winner of this year's Sir John Hurt Art Prize, which is part of the Holt Festival Art Trail, will get £1,750.

Up to 30 shortlisted entries will go on show at the town's Auden Theatre July 21-29, and the top artwork will be announced on July 22.

Last year's winner - the pencil drawing Beginnings End by Norfolk artist Chloe Steele - was announced by Lady Anwen Hurt.

James Glennie, Holt Festival fine art director, said: 'The prize becomes better known each year with entries coming from further afield and the quality getting better each time, making the new team of distinguished judges job ever more difficult.'

Entries close June 17, visit www.holtfestival.org/whats-on/art-prize for more information.