RESIDENTS of Chagford are being urged to pick up their paintbrushes, cameras or pens and get their artistic juices flowing for a self-portrait exhibition.

Self-Portrait Chagford is part of the town?s Arts Festival 2004 and aims to celebrate the individuality and diversity of the people who live in this corner of Dartmoor.

It is inspired and in association with Self-Portrait UK where people from all over the country contribute their self-portraits to create a picture of Britain.

There are many ways of making a statement about who you are ? it does not have to be a straightforward painting or drawing of your face.

You could enter a photo of yourself, a collage of the people, pets and places in your life; you could stick it, print it or even sew it; it could be a video of your world or from your diary. You could even write about yourself, in poetry or prose or compose a piece of music.

There are some examples on the festival website to spark your imagination. Just log onto www.

chagfordartsfestival.com

Images should be no larger than A3 and if possible, ready to hang. Videos, CDs and cassettes should be no longer than three minutes and written text and poetry no more than 500 words. Sculpture should be no more than one foot square.

The deadline is June 13 when self-portraits can be brought to the Jubilee Hall between 10am and noon.

Entries by 14 to 19 year-olds will be selected to go forward for a national exhibition in London?s National Portrait Gallery.