THE second phase of a literature project that is bringing Teesside national acclaim has been secured by a £64,000 grant.

Cleveland Arts started the Buzzwords scheme three years ago to encourage reading and writing among local people.

With cash from the Arts For Everyone lottery fund, it pioneered a range of projects throughout the North-East including literature festivals, workshops and live readings.

Now, organisers hope to build on past successes through the scheme's sequel, called The Word Foundation.

Bob Beagrie, a programme manager, said it was designed to cause a writing revolution.

"The main aim of Buzzwords was to create a coherent strategy for creative writing and reading events in the area," he said.

"There are loads of really good writers here, and more people seem to be willing to share their work with each other rather than hiding it away in a drawer."

Among the project's highlights have been visits by artists and writers to Boulby Potash Mine and Corus Steelworks, publishing workshops and a boxing display by performance poets at Hartlepool Library.

Mr Beagrie said he hoped the next phase will be just as successful.

"The Word Foundation aims to build and extend the work of Buzzwords, and promote the best of Teesside writing across the country.