YOUNG poets in Redditch, Bromsgrove and Droitwich are being invited to take part in a search for the county’s next Poet Laureate.

The Word Up competition is open to all young people between 13 and 19 years old who live in, go to school, college or university in, or attend a youth group in Worcestershire.

This year’s competition is asking for poets to submit two poems, one on the theme of ‘Heroes and Inspiration’, and the other on a subject they choose.

Entries from last year’s winning poet Holly Perrett 'The Weight of the Stars' and 'The In-between' can be read on the Word Up website at worcestershire.gov.uk/wordup where people can also download an application form for this year’s contest.

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for localism and communities, said: "The Word Up project has been extremely successful over the last few years and we're looking forward to being dazzled by poetry from Worcestershire's young people once again this year.

"Along with the live grand final at The Hive on November 30, there's also an opportunity for poets to take part in a performance poetry workshop on Friday, October 31."

Entries for the competition can be made until the deadline of midnight on Saturday, November 9.