THIS is an exciting year for Herefordshire as the county gears up for the City of Culture bid.

It has been a privilege to support Herefordshire’s campaign and to work with partner organisations as the deadline approaches for the bid to be submitted. During the run up, the Herefordshire Cultural Partnership will be celebrating some key themes that represent the county, such as Light & Dark, Maps & Borders, Urban & Rural and Food Culture.

The BBC’s Inside Out team has also filmed various cultural spots in the county in preparation, broadcasted on February 13, such as Hereford College of Arts, 2 Faced Dance, Rural Media and The Courtyard.

Unlike other cities in the competition, Hereford’s bid is unique as it is for all of Herefordshire, not just the city, and it stands out as a rural county.

Winning the bid would enhance the county’s cultural and economic life, and would attract national and international attention to Herefordshire’s businesses.

The success of the bid would also contribute towards attracting degree students to the county, which would provide skills needed in the county’s workforce.

In perfect timing with the bid, I was pleased to hear that Liz Hill, founder of Rural Concierge in Hereford, is in the final top 10 for VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar competition.

Liz was nominated by Visit Herefordshire for her commitment to the industry and passion for the local area and is now seeking the county’s support in an online vote – voting is now open via the Daily Mirror’s website.

Finally, it is exciting to hear about another national name coming to Hereford in May 2017.

Jo Brand, one of the UK’s best female comics, will be performing a fundraising gig for two Hereford charities - The Courtyard and Megan Baker House – on May 24.

We are pleased to see Jo’s support for these two worthy charities.