West Country holiday firm Helpful Holidays has stepped in to help boost Devon's biggest visual art event.

The Chagford-based firm has sponsored the rebuilding of the website for Devon Artist Network (DAN), a membership organisation for artists and makers across the county.

DAN runs the well established Devon Open Studios, an annual two-week exhibition where artists open their studios to visitors.

The event provides a unique insight into how artists work and an opportunity to buy art and crafts directly from the makers.

In 2008 the DAN website, which is vital for publicity, suffered technical difficulties. Now, thanks to sponsorship from the holiday company, the site has been re-launched and features regularly updated news, gallery displays and video interviews with artists.

This year, 240 artists are taking part at 110 locations countywide from September 5 to 20. A range of art and craft including painting, sculpture, textiles, woodwork, ceramics and photography will be on display.

In West Devon there will be 15 exhibition venues to visit, ranging from individual studios to Okehampton College and the Duchy Centre for creative arts in Princetown.

Kate Wilson, programme manager for DAN, said: 'Open Studios is really popular with visitors to Devon and many of them use the web to plan their visit, to order a guide, or create their own art trail route. They can also see great high resolution images of work.'

Moray Bowater, from Helpful Holidays, said: 'Our office in Chagford regularly hosts exhibitions by local artists, so we know that visitors like to see and buy locally produced work.

'Open Studios brings valuable custom to local accommodation, cafes and other businesses, as well as to artists themselves, so we're very happy to sponsor the official website.'

More information can be found on the new website: http://www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk">www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk

A free guide to the event is available from tourist information centres, libraries, hotels and galleries from mid-July.

Helpful Holidays can be contacted by visiting http://www.helpfulholidays.com">www.helpfulholidays.com