A POET in residence has been appointed to help create public art to complement a town centre improvement scheme.

Ira Lightman will work with people in Spennymoor to write poems that will feature in a permanent piece of art in the town centre.

The project runs until March next year and Mr Lightman will be holding workshops, lectures and open sessions with interested groups and schools in an education programme.

About £100,000 was set aside for public art from a regeneration programme for Spennymoor town centre, which is being funded principally by One NorthEast, Durham County Council and Sedgefield Borough Council.

To participate in sessions with Mr Lightman or for information call (01388) 816166.