HE is Somerset's very own poetical legend.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge lived in Nether Stowey and wrote Kubla Khan, while living in Somerset.

Now, The Friends of Coleridge, are holding a series of events to mark the bicentenary of the publication of his visionary poem.

It includes a poetry and art competition inspired by Kubla Khan, under the theme, Imagined Worlds. There are two catagories, one for adults, the other for ages 10 to 17 with a £500 first prize, and two of £200 for the runners-up.

Artists will have their work included on a touring exhibition in Taunton, Bath and Nether Stowey.

As Coleridge was a keen walker, a number free guided tours of Nether Stowey, with readings have been organised including. Other walks include the country around Holford where Coleridge's friend, Wordsworth rented a country house. It was here that Coleridge and Wordsworth discussed their poetry and the Romantic Movement was born.

The Museum of Somerset in Taunton is hosting a talk on Kubla Khan by the acclaimed Coleridge scholar and lecturer Seamus Perry while Strangers in Somerset is an evening of poetry hosted by poets Liz Cashdan and Ian Enters at Nether Stowey Library.

A short film on Kubla Khan will be created at the Engine Room in Bridgwater, a street away from where Coleridge preached in the town’s Unitarian chapel.

For full details, go to: www.friendsofcoleridge.com