A WRITERS' group which was facing closure less than two years ago is back on its feet.

Wordweavers, based in South Moor, Stanley, was almost disbanded at the end of 2002, due to dwindling interest.

But an appeal for members, through The Northern Echo, has led to renewed enthusiasm, with meetings now regularly attracting 15 wordsmiths. This year, several of the group have had work published in magazines.

Wordweavers member Helen Steel, of Pentlands Terrace, Stanley, said: "This is all a far cry from where the group was 18 months ago - it almost closed down.

"We are now confident that the group has a future and indeed we we are planning towards that future."

Some of its writers will be reading from their work as part of the Voices event at the Beamish Mary Inn, No Place, near Stanley, on May 30.

They are also putting together an anthology of poems and stories that is due out this summer, and further works aimed at children are due out before Christmas.

The group's next meeting is at the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, from 7pm to 9pm tonight.

There is a small charge per session to cover the costs of the class tutor.

For further details, contact (01207) 234495.