Culture: Young Asian writers work with Sundra.

YOUNG Asian writers from across the region have been working with poet Sundra Lawrence for a special literary event at this year's SAMA Festival.

The free, week-long summer school was organised by New Writing North and took place at Newcastle University's Culture Lab.

The aspiring writers, aged between 13 and 18, were asked to develop their own poetry and short stories on the theme of home, for a unique publication, which will be launched at the South Asian Music and Arts Festival, taking place in NewcastleGateshead from October 6-12.

They spent the week working closely with Sundra and a professional photographer who took pictures to illustrate their written work.

Sundra says: "This week has been terrific. I've found it incredibly inspiring working with the group, their bubbling enthusiasm, open-ended imagination and sheer guts for working through their summer holidays.

"Some of the young writers, who were waiting on GCSE results, even came back to sessions after picking up their results."

The poetry, short stories and photographs, created during the summer school will now be put together in the run up to SAMA, a week-long festival celebration of South Asian arts, culture, and music.

New Writing North deputy director Anna Disley says: "The North East is such a diverse region and it's important to recognise the stories that come from the experiences of young people living here. We hope in the future to find support to run projects like this more often. It's also moving and heartening to work with such talented young people."

One of the young writers, Rhea Saksena, 14, of Gosforth, Newcastle, said: "Poetry suddenly means so much more to me - there is a real meaning between page and ink now."

Another writer, 13-year-old Shivani Lal, of Jesmond, Newcastle, said: "In one week I've learnt more about poetry than I think I would at school.

I've also enjoyed working with the tutor and have made some new friends."

Terri-Leigh Riley, 16, from Jarrow, South Tyneside, was also part of the Summer School.

She said: "It was an amazing experience - it's brilliant to be around other young people who are passionate about poetry."

Varun Narayanan, 15, of Gosforth, Newcastle, added: "Poetry has a quiet profile here - it's great that Sundra could open our eyes to it."

There were also young writers from Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Northumberland, County Durham, and as far afield as Zimbabwe.

The SAMA Festival takes place in Newcastle Gateshead from October 6-12. For more information about New Writing North visit www.newwritingnorth.com

CAPTION(S):

POET IN MOTION Sundra Lawrence passes on her expertise Picture: Simon Veit-Wilson; WRITE STUFF Poet Sundra Lawrence with the young writers who attended the week-long summer school. Picture: Simon Veit-Wilson