AMATEUR authors are being invited to dust off their dictionaries for a creative writing workshop next week.

Tutor David Stephenson said: "The workshops will be practical and are aimed at beginners. You don't need any previous experience. We will be exploring how writers write and the sessions will definitely be hands-on."

Mr Stephenson hopes the sessions will help those taking part in the short story writing competition linked to BBC One's Canterbury Tales series.

The literary event is being held at Darlington Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace, on Tuesday, October 14, at 6.30pm.

There is also a series of Open University short courses, called Start Writing beginning next year.

The 12-week courses will give budding authors the chance to develop their creativity and get expert feedback on their work.

Tips and exercises for amateur writers can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/getwriting, or at www.open2.net.

Mr Stephenson said: "The exercises are designed to make you think like a writer, but there's no substitute for just sitting down and getting on with it."

To book a place on the free workshop call the Open University in the North on 0191- 284 1611.