AS USUAL, Wordsworth Trust director Robert Woof has lined-up plenty of big names from the literary world for the trust's summer poetry readings.

Running each Tuesday until October 26, the extensive list of wordsmiths includes no less than Poet Laureate Andrew Motion (June 15); Philip Pullman (July 6) - author of the best-selling His Dark Materials trilogy and Whitbread Book of the Year winner The Amber Spyglass; and Louis de Bernieres, who wrote Captain Corelli's Mandolin (August 10).

Eminent poet, film-maker and scriptwriter Tony Harrison appears on July 13; broadcaster, novelist and playwright Simon Armitage on July 27, and Orange Prize for Fiction nominee - for her novel The Electric Michelangelo - Sarah Hall is billed with fellow scribe Niall Griffiths for September 7.

The 26-week programme concludes with publishing magnate, poet and raconteur Felix Dennis on October 26.

Next Tuesday, however, the trust's former poet-in-residence returns to Grasmere to read his poetry with the accompaniment of five trombones. Henry Shukman was in-residence' at Dove Cottage last year working on a number of projects, including his first novel. More recently he has teamed-up with composer Peter Cowdrey, who has set Henry's poetry to music - and chosen one of the world's oldest instruments on which to perform it.

Henry's first poetry collection, In Doctor No's Garden, was published in 2002 and went on to win Book of the Year from both The Guardian and The Times. Henry has also won the Aldeburgh Poetry Prize.

His first novel, Darien Dogs, is being published by Cape this year. While working with the Wordsworth Trust he was involved with education work in Cumbrian schools.

Readings are held at the Thistle Hotel, which is opposite the trust, and start at 6.30pm. Tickets are £6 (£5 if pre-booked) on 015394-35544. Further details, log on to www.wordsworth.org.uk Meanwhile, at the trust's Dove Cottage, young artists will be given a chance to paint tomorrow (Saturday) following the inspiration of countless artists, including Constable and Turner, who have been inspired by the scenery of the Lake District.

On Saturday, May 29, poetry walks will start from Dove Cottage and throughout half term, writing, painting, crafts and other activities will take place in the trust's family room, directly opposite Dove Cottage, all led by the trust's outreach officer, Catherine Kay. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and all the activities are free. For further information, contact the trust on 015394-35544 or c.kay@wordsworth.org.uk.