WRITERS and performers gather this weekend for an afternoon of entertainment to help launch a new arts organisation.

Derwentside Arts Network is officially unveiled on Saturday, at 2pm, in St Mary's RC Church Hall in Blackhill, Consett.

There will be performances from young people and local theatre and musical groups, plus poetry readings and displays of visual art.

Flo Barker, chairman of the local group Busy Ape Arts and spokeswoman for the Network's interim steering group, said: "We have a wealth of amateur and professional artistic talent in Derwentside. This is a wonderful opportunity to develop that energy and creativity in a way that will benefit not only the individual artists but also the local community.

"Derwentside Arts Network will promote the many innovative and exciting artistic activities that are going on and encourage communication between artists and organisations."

The event aims to highlight some of the local talent and also to bring more managers on board.

It is supported by Derwentside Council for Voluntary Service, Derwentside District Council, Northern Arts and the Voluntary Arts Network. Admission to the event is free.