THREE sixth form students at the Gloucestershire College’s Forest of Dean campus will have their poetry published in a young writers’ anthology after impressing the judges in a national competition.

Katie James, Lauren Parke and Connor Wagland are all studying English under the guidance of Gloucestershire College lecturer Nick Taylor.

And their poems will now feature in the Busta Rhyme - Southern England Anthology when it is published on March 31.

The trio are also in with a chance of scooping the top prize of £1,000 for the overall winner of the competition.

Connor, 17, who is studying GCSE English alongside BTEC art and design, said he ‘just spoke from my heart’ when he penned Looking in the Mirror.

“Honestly I’m thrilled to have it published. I feel like the five years of work I’ve put into writing poetry is starting to pay off.”

Katie, who is studying English at AS Level, called her poem Disappearance, while Lauren, who is studying AS Level English, maths and photography, called her poem Grateful Heart.

Libraries at the three Gloucestershire College campuses are planning to stock copies of the anthology when it is released.