ONE of the premier embroiderers in the UK will be visiting the South West for the first time this December, in an event likely to attract many needlewomen from around the area.

Elizabeth Elvin is principal of the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace ? she has been invited to come to Tavistock by Victor Briggs of Gunnislake, the editor of Workbox Magazine.

Mr Briggs said: ?The Royal School is the premier embroidery school in the country and students attend from around the world.

?Royal School embroiderers have for over 125 years produced works for major ceremonial occasions, including robes for royalty and the nobility, though this is only part of its output.?

Mrs Elvin will tutor a class at Tavistock College during the morning of December 7 which is already sold out, but during the afternoon, she will be giving a lecture which is open to all.

The talk will cover the training of apprentices and courses at the Royal School, the art of gold embroidery and the characteristics of metallic threads, other materials and techniques used in embroidery.

The lecture, supported by visual illustrations, will be followed by a question and answer session.

Tickets for the lecture by Elizabeth Elvin cost £5 ? advance booking is required The lecture begins at 2.30pm and will be followed by light refreshments.

To acquire a ticket, send cheques payable to Victor R Briggs with a stamped addressed envelope to Mr V Briggs, Cave Canem, King Street, Gunnislake, Cornwall PL18 9JS.