Platform poet on the right track

Ms Crabtree recently performed at Venice Biennale

A train company has appointed its first-ever "poet on the platform" to entertain its customers.

Sally Crabtree will give daily performances at eight stations across First Great Western's network.

She plans to set up her Poetree, a decorated copper tree, and invite passengers to choose an object as the source of an improvised poem or song.

Mock train tickets inscribed with poems will also be given away to rail passengers and station staff.

Ms Crabtree recently performed at Venice Biennale, and said: "To be the first official Poet on the Platform is a dream come true.

"Like many writers and poets, famously WH Auden, I am inspired by the reasons for our rail journeys - the human connections and stories involved.

"We take the train for family visits, lovers meetings or farewells, or interviews for work - journeys that can change the course of our lives.

"Train stations are fascinating places that provide endless inspiration," she added.

The tour begins on 14 August and lasts three days, taking in Reading, Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Barnstaple, Paignton and Plymouth stations.

First Great Western's Andrew Griffiths said: "This is an interesting idea that makes poetry more accessible across a large geographic area.

"It's an exciting project which we think is fun and inspiring."