Norfolk has been transformed into a giant gallery of art as artists across the county open their home and studio doors to the public for the 20th year of Norfolk and Norwich Open Studios.

More than 550 artists are taking part across more than 270 venues in this special anniversary year, and 16 schools are also putting on exhibitions of pupils' work. The event - which gives people a chance to enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at artists at work as well as see the vast array of exhibitions - kicked off at the weekend and runs until June 8.

NNOS is run by the Norfolk and Norwich Festival in partnership with Norfolk artists, and the festival's director William Galinsky said it was a wonderful way to continue to celebrate culture in the county after the festival has come to a close for another year.

He encouraged everyone to have fun exploring the county and find out more about the great artists living and working here.

'It's the 20th anniversary and Norfolk and Norwich Open Studios goes from strength to strength,' he said.

'We have got more artists than ever taking part, and it is a great opportunity for artists to open up their homes and studios to the public to show off their work. It's also an opportunity for them to sell their work directly to art lovers.

'It's great that Norfolk and Norwich Open Studios happens just after the festival because it keeps the whole cultural theme carrying on into June.

'It's a great day trip - get one of the Open Studios guides and go out into the city and county, take a picnic, and enjoy the open studios. There's lots of art trails you can follow and it really is a great day out.'

NNOS is one of the largest and most successful open studios schemes in the UK. Last year an estimated 33,000 people enjoyed visiting the 2013 Open Studios event which had more than 470 artists taking part in more than 230 venues.

This year Norfolk and Norwich Open Studios is sponsored by Wex Photographic.

• For more information visit www.nnopenstudios.org.uk