SOCCER legend Tony Adams may visit Dorchester - to hear Hardy poems that helped in his recovery from alcoholism.

Organisers have invited the former England and Arsenal skipper to the Dorset County Museum for a series of lectures and a special study day.

The move comes after the former defender told how Thomas Hardy's poems helped in his struggle to beat the booze and rebuild his life.

John Grantham, museum acting director, said: "We would love Tony Adams to come here.

"I would drive him here from London myself, if he wanted to come. It is a fantastic opportunity for Mr Adams, the museum and Dorchester."

He added: "It is a great chance to broaden the base of Hardy's readers.

"Here is a man who found real solace in Hardy's poetry during the depths of his problems.

"It shows how Hardy speaks to us so clearly and strongly."

The museum hopes Mr Adams will attend one of a series of six poetry lectures held by scholar Dr James Gibson from January 16 onwards or a special study day on March 7.

The invitation comes as the High West Street attraction aims to popularise Thomas Hardy's works and tell people of its own collection of memorabilia about the writer.

Adams hailed Hardy's poetry as one of the inspirations behind his recovery from alcoholism but also credited the Wessex writer for leading him onto other literary greats.

He said in his autobiography: "I could feel the emotions in poems and I enjoyed how the layers peeled away, as they were doing in my own life.

"The way Thomas Hardy lost his faith interested me, because I had just found some of my own.

"His poems became cynical, yearning like I was all those years."

Mr Adams added: "Then I began to read Keats and the romantic poets, then Shakespeare."

The weekly sessions, at 5.30pm from January 16 to February 20, are described as a 'masterclass' in Hardy's poetry.

They are based on different themes such as war, religion, nature and love.

Dr Gibson said: "If Mr Adams can be interested in Hardy's poetry, anyone can. Thomas Hardy is open to everyone."

Adams became a reformed character after beating the booze with a new-found love of literature, music and painting.

He is now studying for a sports science degree at Brunel University and has set up his own sports charity.

The poetry lectures are £5 each or £24 for all six. Call the museum on (01305) 262735.