A SPECIAL Heritage Open Days event will be dedicated to a local poet who died suddenly in July.

The 'Hidden Nature Reading' is to be in memory of Sue Wrinch, organiser of the Winchester Loose Muse group. It will take place online and feature 10 Hampshire poets.

Members of Loose Muse were shocked by the news of Sue's death.

A statement from the group says: "Sue set up this monthly gathering in 2015 and booked a dazzling array of women poets and fiction writers to inspire members and provide a safe space for local women writers to share their work in open mic sessions.

"Her enthusiasm and commitment provided a wealth of opportunities for developing writers. Poets at this year’s online reading will be inspired by the theme of ‘Hidden Nature’ and each poet will read a poem of their own as well as one of their choice from Sue’s published collections Down by Wild Water and Stained Lips.

"The event will be a tribute to Sue’s leadership and generosity by fellow poets who will always remember her with gratitude and affection."

Nicky Gottlieb of Heritage Open Days added: “ Sue previously organised a number of events for Winchester Heritage Open Days using the HODs themes including ‘Extraordinary Women’ and ‘People Power’.

"She inspired poets to produce wonderful new work and put together several vibrant performances for us at venues around the city."

The Hidden Nature reading will be live streamed on Sunday September 20 at 2. Places must be booked online.

Jenny McRobert who is organising the event said: “We are honoured that a number of well known poets and writers will be joining us to read including Liz Berry, Rebecca Goss, Susmita Bhattacharya, and Claire Fuller.

"Also featured are local laureates Kathryn Bevis and Isabel Rogers."