POEMS in support of the Andover Advertiser's 'Save Our theatre' campaign, have been flooding into the organisers of a competition - Free Expressions.

The poetry group, founded by Roberto Ranieri, is running a competition in which poets will perform their 'campaign' poems at the Art and Soul Caf in Andover's Upper High Street on 11 September at 7pm.

An idea that poets meet at 6pm outside the defunct Cricklade Theatre on 11 September and recite some poems is gaining support. It's suggested a procession to the Art and Soul Caf would follow. 'Away with the Fairies' may even add a musical flavour to the procession of which Andy Pomphrey is a band member.

Andy said: "Processions are to draw people in. So the sound of a saxophone or a drum beat at certain points before a poem is read could be good!"

Laurence Harrington who won a previous Free Expression poetry competition will be entering the 'Save our Theatre' one.

"To close any theatre is bad but to lose it in a town not known for its cultural excellence is appalling and the last straw," the actor said.

Terry Boom has already written two poems on the closure of Cricklade Theatre prior to the campaign.

He thinks the procession is a good idea.

Steve Harrington-Ellsmore is a self-employed artist who attends Free Expressions. He said: "I think it's a brilliant idea. I've rewritten an old piece to recite already, especially for this do".