PARENTS and children have taken their first steps into the world of poetry.

After nine-months, the SureStart nursery, in McNay Street, Darlington, has produced three books of illustrated rhyme.

Seven parents and 12 children created Kids Mess and More, while mothers Nicky Ashby and Rachel McLean wrote The Noonies and Big Elephant, and Small Mouse respectively.

The group worked with local poet Andy Croft and artist Mark Haywood.

As part of the same project, each child's face and handprint have been captured on 80 6inch-tiles that will form a mural.

SureStart programme manager Mark Matthews said: "The parents have done a fantastic job creating some wonderful books."

All the books are selling well locally and both parents and children are considering writing more.