A POET who wrote her first poem while sheltering from storms in Lanzarote will launch her first collection at Settle Sessions Poetry on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 13.

Jane Downes booklet 'Sightings' is a collection of poems that are described as conversational, observant, witty, and all inspired by birds.

A former schoolteacher, Jane, and her husband, spend their winters in Bexhill-on-Sea, and their summers in a caravan in Tosside.

She will be supported at the event by John Killick, chair of Settle Sessions Poetry for the last five years, and also a former teacher. It will be his farewell reading as a resident of Settle.

Settle Sessions Poetry on June 13 will take place at 4.30pm at The Quaker Meeting House, Settle. Entry is free and there will be refreshments.