A CELEBRATION of the life of a dales poet is to be held later this month.

The Meet the Middletons visitor centre, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, is holding an evening dedicated to Teesdale poet Richard Watson.

The evening will consist of a talk by Watson expert and Northern Echo columnist Jim McTaggart and recitations of his work by Teesdale dialect expert Kathleen Teward.

There will also be an opportunity to view a display of objects relating to the poet and also to chat to some of his relatives, who will also be attending the event.

Watson was a lead miner and poet in Upper Teesdale in the 1800s, who wrote about the area in which he lived, his day-to-day experiences and the characters living in the dale.

His work was published in local newspapers and later in books.

At the Meet the Middletons centre there is a permanent display dedicated to Watson in the gallery area and this extra event has been organised to help people discover more about him.

It takes place at the centre next Wednesday, starting at 7pm.

Tickets are £5, or £3 for members of the Friends of the Family, the visitor centre's annual membership scheme.

Tickets include supper and refreshments.

For further information or to book tickets, call (01833) 640333.