A KEIGHLEY man who credits creative writing with helping him recover from drug and alcohol addictions has performed at a prestigious festival.

Simon Pickles took to the stage at Blur the Lines, part of Leeds Literature Festival.

He described the event as "something really special".

"The historic Leeds Library venue provided an intimate backdrop for a wealth of poetic talent," says Simon, 50.

"The event was organised and curated by Leeds-based rapper Lence and I really love what he brings to the scene.

"Blur the Lines returns at the end of the month; we're doing it all again on March 31 at Leeds Playhouse. I'm really looking forward to it as this will be my biggest stage yet and the largest crowd I've performed in front of. Tickets are available, pay as you feel, on Eventbrite."

Simon began running a monthly spoken word night, Spoken Worth, more than three-and-a-half years ago.

Following a winter break, a relaunch takes place at Keighley's reference library on Thursday, April 20.

Doors open at 6.30pm, for a 7pm start.

Admission is free, but donations are welcome towards the guest poet's expenses.

"The night will feature the talents of well-known poet Leon the Pig Farmer," says Simon.

"I'm buzzing to have been able to get a poet of his calibre for the relaunch."

As well as the headline act and open mic, the event will also feature the first-ever public screening of Sully Lad.

Simon plays the lead in the short film, produced by local man Mickey Thompson.

"It was a cool experience to try my hand at acting," says Simon.

"Mickey should be proud of what he's created. Obverse Films has done a great job on the production, very professional. Acting is definitely something I'd like to do more of."

Sully Lad follows the final day of Craig O’Sullivan, affectionately known as Sully, who died in 1998 aged just 25 after battling drugs.

Simon says Spoken Worth was born out of the ashes of his own addictions.

"My then recovery worker Jem Stuart encouraged me to start writing," he says.

"Creativity has been a godsend. I've come to it late in life but it's helped me on the road to recovery.

"I can't thank Gemma Hobbs of Keighley Creative enough for her help in co-founding Spoken Worth and Dionne Hood from Bradford Libraries for all her support, and providing us with a brilliant venue."