THE E17 Art Trail has moved forward another step with a special networking event for those people interested in taking part.

The event, which was held at Harmony Hall, in Truro Road, Walthamstow, saw a host of community groups and solo artists come together to share ideas and showcase their work.

Morag McGuire, who manages business participation for the Art Trail and is also a freelance costume designer and maker, said: "We had the artist in residence and a teacher from Woodside School, who brough William Morris-inspired tiles and a huge portfolio of other work.

"There was a really lovely piece of fabric printing inspired by African prints that the children had done."

The event was also attended by Anna Alcock, of Walthamstow-based print studios Inky Cuttlefish, as well as Laura Mullis, of mental health community project Evolve, who recently collaborated on a competition to design the charity's logo.

Miss McGuire said: "It was a very good evening for discussing what people were planning to and how far they had got in terms of of using their own space as a venue or using other venues."

She added that it was also an opportunity to find out what projects groups had been working on and their achievements since the trail began in 2005.

This year's Art Trail runs from September 5 to 13, with the theme At Home: In Walthamstow. For more information, visit e17arttrail.co.uk