STUNNING monochrome images of landscapes and buildings feature in a photographic exhibition in Colwall.

Light on Stone 2005 is part of this year's Autumn in Malvern Festival and features the work of local photographer Richard Bennett.

Taken over the last 15 years, the images show the subtle play of light on stone and include pictures of natural stone on beaches and around the Malvern Hills to grand buildings in France and, closer to home, Witley Court.

The exhibition is at Mr Bennett's picture framing workshop and gallery in Walwyn Road, Colwall, and will remain open throughout the Autumn in Malvern Festival, which runs from October 1 to 31.

"I usually have my camera with me when I'm out and about because you never know when you'll come across something that might make a good photograph," said Mr Bennett, who originally trained in fine art, enjoys developing and the print making process.

Black and white photography, said Mr Bennett, was perfect for showing fine detail and subtle textures.

Developing and printing his own work gives him greater control over the final image.

All the photographs are printed with the minimum of manipulation in the darkroom to keep the images natural.

The prints are for sale mounted and framed for £75.

Autumn in Malvern is an arts festival which includes concerts, lectures and performances at various venues in and around the town. This year's festival has chamber music, poetry, dance, choirs, films, organ recitals and exhibitions.

Festival Diary - Week One

Saturday, October 1 : 10.30am, The Market Theatre, Ledbury, Mary Croxson on Rupert Brooke. Mary Croxson investigates Rupert Brooke's association with the Dymock Poets. Tickets £5.50.

2.30pm The Market Theatre, Ledbury. Alison Brackenbury on Edward Thomas. Poet Alison Brackenbury speaks on Edward Thomas and Traditional Song. Tickets £7.50.

Sunday, October 2: 10am The Downs School, Colwall Literary Walk, Poems & Poets' Places. Pat and Roy Palmer lead a four-mile walk along the west slopes of the Malvern Hills with special reference to WH Auden, Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Gibson. Tickets £4.50, limited number.

2.30pm St Michael & All Angels' Ledbury Parish Church 'Cotswold Love'. Soprano Evelyn Beech, Mezzo Soprano Ingrid Prosser and Pianist Colin Decio (winner of the John Ireland Chamber Music Prize) perform a recital of songs on texts by John Drinkwater. Tickets £8 (includes tea and biscuits).

Wednesday, October 5: 7pm for 7.30pm Mount Pleasant Hotel, MalvernLiterary Dinner with Robert Ryan. Second World War Author Robert Ryan discusses the current state of the publishing market. Tickets £20 (includes sherry on arrival).

October 1 to 31: Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9.30am to 1pm Light on Stone Chester House Gallery, Colwall. Photographer Richard Bennett displays his pictures of landscape and buildings

n For tickets to any festival event call 01684 892277.