A SEARCH has been launched to uncover the best poets in the North-East.

Compilers of the National Poetry Anthology are looking for each town's best poem for next year's book.

One of last year's winners, Joanne Thompson from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, said nobody should be discouraged from entering through lack of experience.

"Just have a go, it is a boost to your confidence to see your work published," she said.

Ms Thompson's poem, Raffia Sandals, was Chester-le-Street's entry in the 2002 anthology and she has had another published, called On Contemplating Suicide.

Derrick Hopper, Bishop Auckland's winner last year with Chains of Gold, said: "Write what you feel and look at life around you."

Send three poems on any subject, of between 20 and 160 lines, to United Press Ltd, 44a St. James St, Burnley, BB11 1NQ, by June 30