CHILDREN from 10 Leigh schools are working alongside different artists as they prepare for an arts and writing festival.

Poet Lemn Sissay has been entertaining children with his ingenious verse, actress Clare McGlinn has been discovering fresh dramatic talent, Matt Roby is helping youngsters make novel items from odds and ends, and Leigh painter Bryan Edmondson is inspiring young artists in preparation for the third Leigh EAZ Arts and Writing Festival.

A puppet maker, a ceramic artist and a songwriter are also involved in making this year's festival a success.

The festival, which has the theme Walk Awhile in My Shoes, will be held in June in the Derby Room in Leigh Library.

Leigh EAZ project director Alan Dutton said: "This is the final year for the Zone and we want to make this celebration the best ever."

Schools taking part include St Peter's Infants, St Peter's Juniors, St Joseph's, Higher Folds, St Gabriel's, Green Hall, Two Porches, Leigh Central, St John's Infants and Leigh CE Infants.