THE three main rivers in County Durham are the inspiration behind a book of poetry launched to mark National Poetry Day yesterday.

As part of the research for the book, its author, theatre artist Julie Ward, embarked upon journeys that took her to the Wear, Tees and Derwent rivers and well-known places around them.

Julie, who lives at Sunniside, near Tow Law, said: "I have lived in the county for nearly 20 years and am in love with the landscape and its history.

"Traversing the three main river valleys has enabled me to connect with a continuum, in terms of geological, natural and social history.

"I have also become very aware of how vital the rivers are to our future well-being and how we often use and abuse them for short-term gain."

Julie used her experiences on her travels to compile the book, which has been funded by Wear Valley District Council.

Members of Bishop Auckland Evergreens - a club for over-50s - were given a preview of the book on Wednesday.

Poetry power pulls in public

A RANGE of events celebrating the power of poetry took place throughout the region yesterday.

Northern Arts and the Independent Northern Publishers invited the public to help celebrate National Poetry Day by taking part.

Middlesbrough Central Library, South Shields Central Library, East Boldon Library and Durham's Clayport Library were among the venues.

More events are planned at other libraries over the next few days, including a poetry workshop with members of the Write Lines writing group at South Shields Central Library, next Friday, from 10am to noon.

The Basil Bunting Poetry Centre at Durham University will also host a Poems Please event tomorrow, at Palace Green Library, from 10am.

As part of the main programme yesterday, Peter Bennett and Bob Beagrie read from their latest works at Durham's Clayport Library.

Mr Beagrie, a literature development officer for Cleveland Arts and winner of this year's Biscuit Poetry Prize, said: "We often put things on for National Poetry Day.

"There are lots of really good poets in the area, but there are still lots of people who have a pre-conceived idea of what poetry is about.

"You just have to have a different approach and make them realise it's about their views - it's not all about flowers."