TALENTED, young poets are going on a nationwide Arts Council tour.

Poets Ink, who meet in Leigh, have been asked to write and perform at conferences later this year being held in Bristol, York, Birmingham and London.

Poet Pat Winslow, who supports and helps run the group which meets Tuesday evenings at Church Street, Leigh, says: "This is an exciting and important thing to be asked to do.

"It shows that Poets Ink is now recognised nationally, which is fantastic, especially when you think it was unknown just four years ago.

"So far the group has written two of a sequence of five poems. The first is about personal views of art galleries and the second looks at classical music in concert .

"The music poem is witty and almost sounds like music when performed."

Performances will be at Crossing the Line conferences which will look at young people's perceptions of cultural venues and why young people don't often visit them.

Poets Ink are aged 12-18 and meet 7pm-9pm Tuesdays at 55 Church Street. They have already published two books, made a video, hosted events and poetry workshops and performed at poetry slams and festivals through the north west.

Open days will be held on Nov 7 and Dec 12 for anyone interested in joining them. More details from Jan Alford on 01942 205788.