A GENTLE evening of sipping tea and listening to poets read to an intimate audience is to take place inside a little boutique in Westcliff tomorrow evening, and you are invited.

Green Elephant, situated at the top of Ramuz Drive near London Road, will be holding Sober Poetry, the first of what it hopes are many of its poetry evenings.

The host for the evening is Southend poet Laura Elizabeth Mills, who will be sharing her own poems and supporting others who want to read.

Green Elephant Proprietor, Jen Thomas, said: "We encourage you to share your words and poems, tell your tales, or simply relax amongst friends and soak up all the magic.

"The intention of these gatherings is in the title. I wanted to create a safe place for locals to feel welcome and a part of the community, to be in a friendly, calm, safe space that is alcohol free, to share and enjoy some poetry and spoken word, without the pressures of booze.

"Anyone is welcome to share their words. The idea is that this is something a bit different to other poetry nights, which might involve a bar, an audience and a stage or platform where poets have to get up and perform. This is an event open to anyone who wants to join in, but is really more about sharing as opposed to 'performing', just an intimate gathering of people sat around on my Indian floor cushions and pouffes drinking herbal tea."

She added: "This is a free event, however people can feel free to donate a few coins to our charity tin for FRIEND Animal Sanctuary, a well worthy cause.

"As well as herbal tea, there will be other soft drinks and homemade vegan treats, including cake on offer.

"Everyone is welcome to come along and indulge in an evening of well-being and beautiful words."

The evening takes place from 7pm until 11pm.