The eyes of the literary world will be on one of the most revered writers in Cumbria as he prepares to take his work to the international stage.

Writer, teacher and poet, Neil Curry, of Ulverston, has been chosen to take readings among the world's finest in the world of words at the International Poetry Festival next month.

Mr Curry, who has won a number of national prizes for his past work, says he feels humbled by the international recognition of his work and that his personal happiness is the inspiration for his career.

Mr Curry said: "It is really good to get international recognition, it is something special when someone miles and miles away is reading your work.

"When I was about five or six years old, I knew this was what I wanted to do.

When asked what has inspired his work, Mr Curry added: "It is about ideas, where do you get your ideas from?

"It is like falling asleep, you can never catch yourself doing it. That moment between things is a complete mystery, it is either there or it isn't, and you hope they keep appearing."

Mr Curry will attend the festival on June 14 at the Palazzo Ducale in Genoa, Italy.

He has been writing for over 50 years, with his most recent publications including Some Letters Never Sent  in 2014, verse letters to people important in his life, and William Cowper a Revaluation , an analysis of Cowper's poetry and the man himself which was published last year.

One publisher of his work is Enitharmon Press, in London, which has been publishing Mr Curry's poetry since 1988.

Their artistic director, Stephen Stuart-Smith, said: "He's an unfailingly entertaining poet in total command of technique who brings his work, his love and knowledge of the natural world, history, topography, horticulture, literature - and so much more.

"All this is done with both seriousness and gentle humour, and with an international perspective."