MANY of us rhapsodise about the South Downs, but composer Damian Montagu was so inspired he wrote an album of music about the glorious landscape.

His just-released In a South Downs Way is a collaboration with his friend, Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville, who lives at Milland, and trumpet player Stewart Prosser, of Petersfield.

The album is a collection of tracks written for strings, piano and brass.

Hugh narrates some of his original writing over the music, creating an evocative soundscape.

The compositions are performed by the Tippett Quartet with a group of Sussex musicians, including co-producer and ex Paul Weller trumpeter Stewart. Damian was inspired while walking in the South Downs and wrote melodies during a number of meditative hikes.

The album release by Decca marks the start of a new recording series called Walk Upon England, bringing together rural composers and artists to celebrate the English countryside.

Damian said: “What began as a purely creative endeavour has blossomed into a wonderful project. I hope that listening to the album will transport people to the South Downs or indeed anywhere which evokes the beauty and peace of somewhere they love.”

For information, visit www.walkuponengland.com