A POEM about Forest wisdom earned Rosemary Morgan of Cinderford the title of Forest Bard for the third time.

The poem Prevention is Better Than Cure was read out at the 14th annual Forest Faddle, a celebration of local culture, held at the Forest Theatre, Five Acres.

The junior bard is 10-year-old Lilia Evans, of Mitcheldean, who wrote If You’re Not From the Forest of Dean and the junior runner-up was eight-year-old Elizabeth Walsh of Joys Green for When the Forest Glimmers to Me.

The show also featured Steven Sproat, who is one of the country’s leading ukulele players, and now lives in English Bicknor.

Dereck Walker first appeared on the Forest Theatre stage many years ago before he left for London and a career as a singer and actor.

Clearwell-based folk duo Life of Riley made their Faddle debut and the line-up was completed by event favourites Dick Brice and harpist Jemima Phillips.

Mrs Morgan previously won the title of Forest bard in 2012 and 2015.

She said: “The Faddle is a wonderful show for local people and its a really nice evening.

“My own poetry is based on real-life events. I think you have to bring your experiences to your poetry.”