BRAINTREE'S famous doppelgangers hosted a poetry evening for the group that first brought them together.

Doppelgangers Read Poetry was organised by the Friends of Braintree Museum and took place on November 4 at the museum on Manor Street.

Retired headteacher John Jemison and former priest Neil Richardson met on one of the groups regular outings, bumping into each other whilst boarding a coach to London.

The duo were recently named the UK's most alike strangers as part of a documentary which will air of Channel 4 next year.

At the poetry evening Neil and John took turns to read both original and classic poems, rounding the evening off with a joint performance of James Fenton's The Skip.

Jean Harrison, chairman of The Friends of Braintree Museum, said: "The evening of original poems was true entertainment.

"John had written poems of local and topical interest which he performed theatrically, whilst Neil’s poems were more serious and thought provoking.

"John even burst into song for two of his poems and the evening ended with a combined rendition.

"The pair complemented each other remarkably well and gave an engaging performance."

Neil and John have promised to return soon and are considering the idea of performing for other groups, such as Women's Institutes, around the district.

For more information about how to join the group, visit www.friendsofbraintreemuseum.co.uk.