RURAL Arts in Thirsk has enjoyed a successful first season working with up and coming and established performers across the region.

Over the past six months, it has pioneered Fresh, a series of monthly pay-what-you-think events with performers from North Yorkshire.

The season ends with Summer Slam, a night of performance poetry with Andy Humphrey and Laurence O’Reilly, on Thursday, August 27.

"The season has been a fantastic way to showcase the talent we have on our doorstep," said Sophie Backhouse, of Rural Arts.

"What has made it unique is that all the events are pay-what-you-think, which gives everyone in the Thirsk and the surrounding areas the opportunity to come and watch a local performance."

Humphrey is a prize-winning poet, writer, and co-host and organiser of the The Speaker’s Corner, a monthly open mic night in York for poetry, storytelling and spoken word performance.

He released his debut poetry collection, A Long Way to Fall, in May 2013, from which five of the eight poems were awarded first prize winners in competitions across the country. He recently released his second collection, Satires.

O’Reilly is a poet, rapper and actor who has gained plaudits for his dark blend of poetry, hip-hop and spoken word to delve into the darker side of daily life. He recently spoke at TEDxPocklington and in February was a special guest at The Speaker's Corner.

Summer Slam at The Courthouse starts at 7.30pm. For more information, visit ruralarts.org or call 01845 526536.