Young people in Hampshire are being urged to put pen to paper for the annual Hampshire Young Poets competition.
Running until Friday, May 22, the competition presents a unique challenge for budding poets.
Entrants must write a poem of no more than 14 lines on the theme of food.
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Organisers say the theme encourages young writers to demonstrate creativity, and use senses, memories, traditions and emotions.
Poems could range from the sound of a crisp packet being opened in a quiet cinema, to the overwhelming smell of a forgotten apple in a school bag.
The contest is open to three age groups: four to seven years, eight to 11 years, and 12 to 16 years.
Participants must either live or study in Hampshire.
For those interested in joining, entry is free.
Winners can look forward to more than the glory of emerging victorious, receiving National Book Token prizes.
Their schools or educational establishments will also be rewarded with P&G Wells book tokens.
Certificates will also go to three commended poems and three poems with the best line in each age category.
Entries can be submitted via email or in-person at the P&G Wells Bookshop, College Street, Winchester.
A dedicated Poetry Desk, where poems can be placed into the 'poetry postbox', is available in the shop.
This comfortable area also provides various resources necessary for entry.
Additionally, the 2024-26 Hampshire Poet, Damian Kelly-Basher, will act as the judge for the competition.
He advised: "Whatever you write, have fun. Writing is about having fun!"
Winners of the competition will be celebrated at a big event on Winchester Poetry Day 2026 at The Arc, Winchester, on Saturday, October 10.
The Hampshire Young Poets is annual competition run by the Hampshire Cultural Trust and the Winchester Poetry Festival.
It aims to inspire creativity and encourage a love of poetry, writing and words in young people across the county.
The Hampshire Young Poets competition is more than just an avenue for young writers to showcase their skills.
To find more information or enter the competition, go to winchesterpoetryfestival.org/young-poets-competition.
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