TIME is running out to help the Teesside literati inspire the next generation of poets.

There are four days left to donate to a Kickstarter project that aims to support disadvantaged youngsters in developing their creativity.

The team behind The Electric Kool-Aid Cabaret of The Spoken Word is attempting to raise £1,000 in a bid to stage three shows at Redcar’s Tuned In centre.

The shows would represent the culmination of a project in which three professionals mentor a group of 16 young poets through a series of workshops.

The project is aimed at youngsters aged 13 to 21 with a focus on those not in education, employment or training.

As well as the shows, the poets – and their mentors - would contribute to an anthology set to be launched at the London Book Fair in October 2015.

Poet Andrew Willoughby said: “The more money we can raise, the more workshops we can run with disadvantaged young people in one of the most deprived areas of the UK with one of the highest rates of illiteracy.

“We need the £1,000 we are asking for but promise any more raised will be spent on extra one-to-one sessions, group workshops and outreach work.”

To contribute to the project, visit kickstarter.com/projects/2078248748/the-electric-kool-aid-cabaret-of-the-spoken-word before Tuesday, December 16.