POETRY readings and afternoon tea can soon be enjoyed at the former home of legendary poet Dylan Thomas.

A series of events have been lined up at the Boathouse in Laugharne by its owners, Carmarthenshire County Council.

It is the first time readings will be staged in the tiny cliffside house in the winter.

The programme starts on Sunday, February 13th, with Welsh poetry and readings by Mererid Hopwood and Tudor Dylan, with a performance by Emily Hinshelwood on Saturday, February 19th.

Emily, a winner of the John Tripp Award for Spoken Poetry, will be reading from her debut collection Sucking at Sticky Fingers, which draws on subjects as diverse as Mills and Boon, poetic madness and genetic engineering.

On Sunday, February 20th, George Tremlett OBE will read Poem in October - the Laugharne recollection of Dylan Thomas.

Said the council's principal arts officer Eleri Retallick: "There can be no better setting than the Boathouse, which was the inspiration for so many great literary works."

The events follow on from successful productions at the venue to mark the 50th anniversary of Dylan Thomas' death, two years ago.

The council has also spent £50,000 on major restoration works to the Boathouse and nearby writing shed, where the poet penned literary masterpieces including Under Milk Wood.

All events start at 3.45pm and tickets, which include afternoon tea, readings and entry to the Boathouse are £5.

Events are restricted to small audiences. For tickets contact Eleri Retallick on 01267 228236.