ROYAL splendour inspires this year's Sewing for Pleasure and Hobbycrafts show at Birmingham's NEC.

This stunning costume exhibition brings royal extravagance from the silver screen to this top textile art, needlecraft and hobbycraft show being held from Thursday, March 17 to Sunday, March 20.

A lavish display of royal costumes worn by kings and queens from famous name films will take centre stage at the exhibition.

This display of six outfits entitled Royal Connections has been put together by television presenter and display co-ordinator, Jane Bolsover.

Visitors will be captivated by the devor velvet coronation gown and elaborate hand-painted cloak worn by Cate Blanchett in the Hollywood blockbuster Elizabeth alongside Queen Mary's appliqud surcoat worn by Kathy Burke in the same film.

Queen Charlotte's 18th century evening gown worn by Helen Mirren in The Madness of King George is an intricate period costume encrusted with sequins and heavy embroidery and is complemented by the military style uniform worn by Nigel Hawthorne who played King George III.

Sean Connery's tunic with chainmail hood from his cameo role as Richard the Lionheart in Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves also features in the display. Now in its 17th year, Sewing for Pleasure 2005 promises to be the UK's biggest and brightest textile and creative craft show.

Full of fresh ideas and many new and often unusual products including ceramic buttons, hand dyed felt bags, Indian trimmings and delicate beading kits, embroidered batik and Japanese patchwork, it's the ideal sourcing opportunity.

Meanwhile at Hobbycrafts 2005, the largest creative hobbies show in the UK, discover exciting and inspiring ideas with an incredible selection of creative craft and art supplies from America and Europe, which can be found alongside crafts from the UK.

Hobbycrafts, which takes place in the adjoining hall, allows visitors entry to two shows for the price of one. With more than 100 exhibitors taking part, inspiration is guaranteed.

Birmingham will once again be the setting of The Crafts Beautiful Demonstration forum where the more adventurous will be challenged by some of the top craft experts in a series of lively workshops. Visitors can also relax and join the fun of the demonstrations in the Make and Take workshops.

Advanced tickets are priced £8 adult, £7 senior citizen and £2.50 child. Tickets purchased on the door are priced £9.50 adult, £8.50 senior citizen and £3 child. Under 16s go free when accompanied by a parent. Tickets can be purchased by logging onto www.necgroup.co.uk/boxoffice or from The NEC Box Office on 0870 909 4133.

The Shuttle/Times and News has teamed up with the organisers to run a competition where 15 readers can each win a pair of tickets to the event. To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question:

Which actress wore Queen Mary's appliqud surcoat in the Hollywood blockbuster film Elizabeth?

The closing date is Friday, March 4.