A series of readings called Unsafe Text, featuring renowned local and international poets, is being organised in County Durham as part of the county council's Sharp Stick initiative, to promote interest in poetry.

Kevin Cadwallender, the council's poet in residence, will host the events at libraries and other community buildings.

Mr Cadwallender said: "We are extremely lucky to have attracted some very fine poets, including Peter Goldsworthy, from Australia."

Mr Goldsworthy will start the series at the Colpitts Poetry Group, Alington House, North Bailey, Durham City, on October 5.

Northumberland poet Linda France will be at Sedgefield Library on November 1. Peter Mortimer will be at Woodview Community Centre, Langley Park, on November 2, while Scottish poet W N Herbert will be at Newton Hall Library on November 7.

On November 11, Nick Toczek will be at the DLI Museum and Art Gallery in Durham City, and Andy Croft will be at Spennymoor Settlement on November 23.

The Sharp Stick initiative, backed by Durham City Arts and Northern Arts, features a poetry roadshow for young people, readings in libraries and workshops