SALTAIRE Arts Trail returns this year with the promise it will be bigger, bolder and more avant garde than ever before.

The three-day event which brings thousands of visitors to the World Heritage Site was not held in 2014, but artists' applications are now being collated ready for the show to begin on May 23.

Saltaire Inspired, which runs the Trail, has also secured £19,500 funding from Bradford Council to pay for its work over the next three years.

On offer will be the chance to see original modern art displayed in the unique settings of ordinary houses plus a top quality craft fair in Victoria Hall which alone attracts some 10,000 people.

Chairman of Saltaire Inspired's Trustees, June Russell, said: "We took a year off because our volunteers were all a bit burned out, but this year is going to be fantastic.

"In December it was confirmed we are getting £6,500 a year for three years from Bradford Council's Cultural Investment Fund, which is brilliant news.

"And this year we are going to be much more experimental and 'edgy' with the fine art which will be going into people's houses. We will also be having community workshops and professional development classes for local artists.

"The plan is to fill the place with really interesting art and the Makers' Fair will be really high-end this year.

"We will have some of the country's best designers and makers - it won't be just your average craft fair."

Artists wishing to exhibit in the mill cottages are urged to hurry with any applications as the deadline is 9am on Monday, January 19.

"We've already had lots of interest and some really great applications already," Miss Russell said.

Saltaire Traders' Association chairman David Ford said he was delighted SAT was back.

"It's absolutely brilliant news.

"They said they would be back bigger and better and I'm sure that'll be the case.

"A wonderful aspect of the Arts Trail is it brings people to the village from all over the world.

"Like all of the village traders I'm really looking forward to being part of it and if there's anything we can do to help, we will," Mr Ford said.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford council's arts and culture portfolio holder said it promised to be a special year.

"Saltaire has built an excellent reputation for arts and culture over the years and, in a large part, that's because of organisations like Saltaire Festival and Saltaire Inspired.

"With the Arts Trail this year, I know we can look forward to a quality event which will attract visitors and locals alike."

Those wishing to enter art work or take part in the Makers' Fair can obtain details from Saltaire Inspired's website.