ONE of Britain's best known poets will celebrate the life of one of Somerset's best loved poets.

Ian McMillan, who is also a BBC radio presenter, is hosting an entertaining evening celebrating the work of British Romantic poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Ian will read some of the poet's greatest works and take questions from the audience at the event held in Nether Stowey.

Coleridge lived in a cottage in the village - now a National trust property - for three years, before following Wordsworth to the Lake District where they founded the British Romantic movement.

Ian McMillan's visit is part of the Writing Places project. This is a partnership between The National Trust, Literature Works and The Poetry Archive, which aims to celebrate Britain's literary heritage, and encourage public engagement with places that have inspired great writers.

Among the poems Coleridge wrote during his time in Somerset is Kubla Khan, one of his most famous, and this year marks 200 years since its publication in 1816.

Talking about his trip, Mr McMillan said: "As a poet, I've always wanted to emulate Coleridge and his quest for imaginative freedom, his knowledge of past cultures, his determination to live the poetic life, and I hope I'll be able to reflect a little of that in my talk.”

Ian’s warm sense of humour and iconic Barnsley accent, have made him a popular speaker at a variety of events. He has been poet in residence at groups as diverse as the Humberside Police and Barnsley Football Club.

The evening will be held at the Nether Stowey Church Centre, starting at 7pm for light refreshments, and the talk will start at 7:30pm. Audience members will also have a chance to chat to the poet in a question and answer session.

Booking for this event is essential. Tickets are £3 each, and can be purchased by contacting Coleridge Cottage on 01278 732662.