THE project to restore Lydiard Park to its former glory will be the centre of a business and arts meeting next month.

Arts and Business South West, an organisation that aims to create and support links between businesses and the arts, is getting people together at Lydiard House on Thursday, July 15.

The reception is to bring attention to the partnership between RWE npower and Lydiard House, both of which have been given an Arts and Business New Partners Investment award for the work at the stately home.

It is to recognise that RWE's staff have been helping the restoration project with both manual work and financial assistance.

Sir Maurice Johnston, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, will be speaking, and Arts and Business regional director Phil Gibby will be discussing the benefits that a link between arts and business can bring.

Mr Gibby said: "We are delighted to be celebrating the successful partnership between The Lydiard Park Project and RWE npower.

"The creativity that arts organisations and businesses in the west are bringing to their relationships is at a new peak."