A Darlington poetry group has been awarded almost £10,000 by the Arts Council England.

Hydrogen Jukebox, Darlington's monthly cabaret-style poetry celebration, will use the £9,570 grant to bring Finnish and Dutch poets to the event.

It will also be used to commission local writers and musicians to create works based on the Northern identity.

Andy Willoughby, director of Hydrogen Jukebox, said: "This award will really help us to keep pushing the boundaries of what people think poetry is about and engage with even more young people than before in our workshop. It is wonderful to know the Arts Council is supporting our event so strongly."

Hydrogen Jukebox aims to bring live literature to young audiences aged 15 to 21 in a fast-moving format of stand-up and alternative cabaret, with music from local bands.

An open microphone spot encourages poets, rappers and song-writers to perform.

Hydrogen Jukebox is performing in a Death Metal Special at Durham Literature Festival at The Studio, Gala Theatre, Durham at 7.30pm on Tuesday, October 14.

Details are available on Durham Literature Festival's www.literaturefestival.co.uk website.

The next monthly Hydrogen Jukebox event is on Tuesday, October 28, at 7.30pm, at Darlington Arts Centre.