ARTISTS are being challenged to take inspiration from one of Oxford’s most iconic sights tomorrow.

Photographers, painters, sketchers, sculptors and other artists are invited to come to Oxford Castle, in New Road, and come up with a piece of artwork in any medium inspired by the castle, which dates back to 1071.

Sophie Egleton, the gallery manager and curator at the O3 Gallery, which is on the castle site, said: “They’ve got about four or five hours to go off and set themselves up somewhere.”

The gallery and Oxford Castle Unlocked held the contest last year, but only opened it to artists taking part in the city’s Art Weeks, attracting more than 40 different entries.

This year it has been thrown open to members of the public aged 18 and over. Entry is free.

The winner will receive an artistic weekend for two in a holiday cottage in Porthleven, Cornwall, donated by developer Trevor Osborne, of Oxford Castle Ltd.

Anyone who would like to take part needs to bring their own materials and register at the gallery between 10am and 11am tomorrow.