The search is on for Worcestershire's next Young Poet Laureate 2020 .

New for 2020, Worcestershire’s Young Poet Laureate competition now accepts entries from younger people aged 8 and up to 18.

All of the young people are asked to send in two poems; one on the subject of 'Identity,' and another on a subject of their choice. There will be a winner from each age category plus an overall winner crowned Worcestershire’s Young Poet Laureate.

The competition is being run jointly by Worcestershire County Council’s libraries service and Severn Arts. As in previous years there will be a series of workshops, some in schools and some in libraries. The winner will be chosen at a live final, on 29 March at The Hive in Worcester.

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Cllr Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for Communities, Worcestershire County Council said: "Our successful poetry competition is back for 2020 with a few changes. It’s now open to younger people aged 8 up to 18 and there will be a winner in three age groups, plus an overall winner.

"We often find young people discover poetry to express themselves in a new and creative way. As well as developing a new art form, taking part in our competition offers a way to connect with more young people and being selected for the live final is a great achievement and the competition offers an incredible experience.

"It doesn't have to be daunting or difficult. It's about rhythm, rhymes and creativity. To enter this competition, it doesn't matter if you haven't written much before, we still want to hear from you. You never know where it will lead."

To enter, application forms can be downloaded www.worcestershire.gov.uk/youngpoet.

The closing date for entries is 8 March.

To be eligible young people need to be aged between 8 and 18 and live in Worcestershire, or attend a school, college or youth club in the county.

Entries can be submitted from 13 January until the deadline of midnight on Sunday, 8 March 2020.