It's a great time to knock out a rhyme

The renowned poet A. C. Clarke has agreed to become a judge alongside actor and director John-Joe Thacker who recently appeared in Taggart.

Slam slots are still available for the event being held by Cumbernauld's own Frontier Writers at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 15, in the Muirfield Education and Community Centre.

The Slam is sponsored by North Lanarkshire Council and The Muirfield Members Committee, Now You're Talking Group. Frontier Writer compere Danny O'Connor will be hosting the event alongside local poet and author Catherine Baird who will be the time keeper at this year's Slam.

Mr O'Connor said: "Some very interesting poets have already given their personal commitment to perform at this event so it is shaping up to be a right wee brammer."

Entry is free and there is a cash prize total of 100 for the best performance poets. The winner gains automatic entry to the National Slam.

Slammers still wishing to enter should follow this link: cumbernauldpoetry. wordpress.com for venue directions or they can contact the compere Danny O'Connor at [email protected] or just turn up on January 15 before 7.30 p.m.

There will be a continuing regular monthly programme of performance nights of spoken word, poetry and music throughout 2010 at the Muirfield Centre.

Last year the Frontier Writers successfully launched their anthology, "The Gold of the Day" and the Poetry Slam will also shine some light on literary talent.