Poetry competition for young West Sussex poets

Now in its fifth year, the Children’s Poetry Competition organised by Chichester Rotary Club is open until March 28.

A spokesman for the club said: “The competition is primarily focused towards fostering creativity and international understanding and this is reflected in the theme which is: My Vision for the Future.”

Children who live or go to school in West Sussex are eligible to enter.

There are three age categories: from ages five to seven, eight to 11, and 12 to 15, with three voucher prizes in each of the categories.

First prize in each category wins £75, with £50 for second place, and £25 for third.

There will be an awards ceremony in April, with prizes and certificates awarded by the mayor of Chichester.

Winning poems will be posted on www.rotarypoetry.info

Poems will be judged by poet and author Stephanie Norgate.

The competition is run in association with Waterstones, who will collect the entries and issue entry forms where necessary.

The competition is also supported by the Trefoil Trust, John Wiley & Sons Publishers and Woods Travel Company.

There is a fee of £1 for each entry, which will be donated to charity.

Entry forms and competition rules are available on the website, and are also available from Waterstones, in West Street, Chichester.