THE Essex Poetry Festival starts later this month with a host of wordsmiths descending on venues across the county.

Loughton Library, in Traps Hill, will be joining in the literary festivities on Saturday, October 10 when poet Ken Champion will hold a workshop on what makes good poetry.

People will be encouraged to bring in their own poetic efforts from 11.30am, call 020 8502 0181 to book a place.

Elsewhere in the county word artist Inua Ellams, Forward Prize winner Kathryn Simmonds, and performance poet Luke Wright will be appearing at the Cramphorn Theatre, in Chelmsford, while open mic nights and workshops will be held at various venues in Essex.

The Essex Poetry Festival takes place from September 25 to October 22. For more information visit essex-poetry-festival.co.uk.