DROITWICH poet Sarah James has had her poetry put up in the UK’s most famous lights after winning a competition in Blackpool.

Ms James had her poem ‘That Night’ included in the Blackpool Illuminations after she won the Wordpool competition as part of Blackpool Arts and Libraries Festival of Words.

The poem, which has been placed in the centre of a giant ornate frame for the illuminations, was written along the theme of ‘light’, and Ms James had the chance to flip the famous switch to turn the lights on.

She said: “Obviously I was delighted to win, a confidence boost and also because of how very different it is. I love seeing poetry in different places and being seen and read by people who might not normally enjoy poetry.

“I was notified beforehand that I'd won, but not allowed to talk about it until after the prize ceremony in Blackpool on the night of National Poetry Day.

“The judge, Polly Atkin talked about the judging process and there was a reading of the poems. Then we got on a coach to go down to where the poem illumination is and I got to turn it on using the switch that is used by celebrities turning on the main illuminations.”

The poem has been animated by Emily Howells and Anne Wilkins, and will now feature as part of the illuminations for the entire winter season, being seen by as many as four million visitors to the town.

Ms James added: “It is an amazing poetry film, I love how much they got the poem to visualise it in the way they have.”

For those who can’t make it to Blackpool, there’s a chance to see the animated film at blackpoolwordpool.wordpress.com.