The Blythscope project aims to create binocular-shaped poems to display on hoardings surrounding Blyth market place during building and regeneration work.

Conceptual poet Ira Lightman wants residents to contribute towards poems, sonnets, and wordplay, and will be working with community groups over the next few weeks to gather ideas.

"As a theme, I've taken the way that all kinds of scope (a telescope, a microscope, a hyperscope) show you a way of looking at things that is not normally revealed to the naked eye – a way of looking more closely, or putting things into a much wider perspective," he explained.

"You always look up from a telescope or microscope, and rub your eyes, and scratch your head, and think there's more to the everyday world than meet the eye.

"The new kind of visual poem I've designed depends on Blyth people telling me in the plainest words something good about everyday Blyth."

He plans to work with community groups, residents' associations, young people's organisations, and in sheltered accommodation residents, as well as workshops in local schools.

The poet and his team will also be in the Keel Row shopping centre from 9am until 1pm on May 13 and 16 to collect ideas from the public.

For details contact Helen Moore on (01670) 542267.

Blyth Valley Borough Council's cultural development officer Helen Moore said: "This is a great opportunity for groups and individuals from all over the borough to take part in a unique project that will be viewed by thousands of people.

"We are looking forward to finding out about the ideas that come through and reading the finished poems."