HUNDREDS of potters and ceramists from across the world will visit Nottinghamshire this weekend for the 2012 Earth and Fire International Ceramic Fair.

Items including garden planters and sculptures, bowls, pie dishes, teapots, mugs, plates and egg cups will be available to buy at the annual event at Rufford Abbey Country Park.

Organised by Rufford Craft Centre, the free event is the only regional ceramic fair of its kind and thousands of visitors, including collectors, gallery owners, enthusiasts and the general public, are expected to attend.

The three-day festival is a 'celebration of clay in all its forms,' and every year attracts potters from across the UK, mainland Europe and further afield. Potters from the Netherlands, Germany, Australia and South Africa will be among those exhibiting this year in the grounds of the ruined abbey.

This year the fair will celebrate its 18th birthday with a full programme of demonstrations, campus stands and trade stalls.

The 2012 Earth and Fire International Ceramic Fair takes place on Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June from 10am to 5pm each day. The event is free but parking costs £5 per car.