The poets of the future are being sought for an annual countywide poetry competition.

Canterbury Festival’s under 18s poetry competition last year saw entries from more than 1,500 children and young people from across the county.

This year's theme for the contest, which is open to five to 18-year-olds, is Earth Tribe and organisers welcome abstract interpretations which could include the planet, nature, animals and climate change.

Young writers have until Friday, July 17 to get their entries in.

Up to 40 poems are shortlisted and published in an anthology and the winners receive a book voucher and have the opportunity to read their poem on National Poetry Day, which is Thursday, October 1, at an event at St Edmunds School, Canterbury.

To get young poets started, the festival have created a poetry resource pack full of ideas. Parents can find out more, download the resources and enter multiple poems by clicking here.

For more information email info@canterburyfestival.co.uk or visit canterburyfestival.co.uk

* The Canterbury Festival itself, which is due to run from Tuesday, October 17 to Saturday, October 31, is still currently scheduled to go ahead.

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