PUBS across Dorset are preparing to host a series of poetry 'n' pint sessions featuring some of the UK's most up-and-coming poets.

In partnership with Artsreach and as part of the national Inn Crowd initiative, Jonny Fluffypunk will perform at The Oak in Dewlish near Dorchester on Thursday, January 16 at 8pm.

Jonny's show, How I Came To Be Where I Never Was, is a fusion of theatre, storytelling, comedy, stand-up poetry and ukelele. The tale is about being the only punk in the village, taking audiences back to 1984 when Jonny was 15 and experiencing a time of John Peel and small record shops, youth clubs and unrequited love.

A writer and performer, Jonny creates poetry that mixes political disillusionment with bittersweet autobiography. He also runs poetry and performance workshops across the West Country, as well as co-writing and co-starring in a number of acclaimed spoken word shows at the Edinburgh and Brighton Fringe Festivals.

The poetry 'n' pint pub shows have been organised by the Inn Crowd, who have collaborated with some of the UK's top poets in an effort to held landlords attract new customers, widen the experience for regular punters, and reinforce the pub as a central, vibrant part of community life. This follows statistics released by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) last year, which showed that pubs were closing at a rate of 14 per week nationally.

In a year which sees Dorset's touring arts charity, Artsreach, celebrate its 30th anniversary, co-director Kerry Bartlett commented: "We are excited to continue as a partner in the Inn Crowd project, working with landlords across Dorset to offer something a bit different and encourage people to continue to support their local pubs."

*Jonny will head to The Oak in Dewlish on Thursday, January 16 at 8pm, and also to The Red Lion in Sturminster Marshall near Wimborne on Sunday, January 19, at 4pm. Suitable for audiences aged 12 and above, shows are free to attend, although donations to Artsreach are welcomed.