THE organisers of the Mitcheldean Young Poets and Junior Forest Bards have come together to promote a new contest.

This led to 10-year-old Sophia Stallard, of Lea Primary School, being unanimously chosen as Junior Forest Bard 2015 and to agreement that from 2016 onwards, every year a selection of poems on ‘Forest’ themes would be passed on as contenders for the prestigious Junior Forest Bard title.

Bard organiser Annie Cavill said: “I couldn’t be more pleased with the link-up. After all, our goals are identical: to celebrate the Forest and to encourage young poets to share their reactions to this precious environment – from splashing through streams to surprising a wild boar to being stared down by a sheep.

John Livesey, of the Mitcheldean committee, said: “It’s a win-win: our young poets help preserve the forest and its rich poetic tradition, while at the same time doubling their chances of winning – can’t argue with that.”

For more information about taking part and terms and conditions call John on 07974201434.