A SMALL Redditch publishing firm has received a £2,400 grant to promote cutting-edge poetry from around the world.

Flarestick Publishing was set up in 1995 by former Redditch Library manager Charles Johnson and library administrator Jane Clarke.

With the money granted by West Midlands Arts they can go independent and buy their own computer and pay overheads.

Previously, they had to rely on the county council allowing them to use Redditch Library facilities in exchange for a percentage of any sales.

Flarestick will soon be publishing collections by Andy Skitt, of Bromsgrove, and Lucille Gang Shulklapper, from Florida.