A WRITER and poet will be helping Bolton celebrate National Poetry Day by hosting a workshop at the Octagon Theatre.

Louise Fazackerley, aged 37, will be offering her pearls of wisdom at the theatre's Hospitality Suite on Thursday, discussing the theme of light.

The event forms part of the national day which celebrates poetry and festivities will continue at Bolton Socialist Club in the evening for a performance and open mic event, with guests including Anne Caldwell from the University of Bolton and Canada's Rose Condo, a 2014 National Slam Finalist.

Ms Fazackerley said: "A lot of adults enjoyed writing when they were at school and some would like to get back into it as a grown up. Many people think they can write but are too scared to put pen to paper or discuss their ideas. The workshop is about getting inspiration and building confidence.

"The poetry scene is really sociable and I have seen some people go from being too terrified to speak to travelling around the north west showcasing their work. It's amazing to see."

The event has been organised by Live from Worktown with George's of Bolton MC, Scott Devon.

Ms Fazackerley said: "Poetry is about engineering a love of words. It doesn't have to be long — it can be as short as you like. There was a quote that I read from someone that said apart from astrophysics, poetry is the only thing that encourages people to think laterally, which I think is fantastic."

Ms Fazackerley will be at the Hospitality Suite, Octagon Theatre, between 11am and 1pm on Thursday (Doors 10.45am).

An evening performance and open mic event will take place at Bolton Socialist Club in Wood St, from 8pm and 10pm (Doors 7.30pm).