MORE than 100 school pupils from across Cumbria have submitted entries for the Rydal Mount Wordsworth prize for young poets.

Their poems have now been sent to be judged by members of the Wordsworth family, descendants of William Wordsworth, who still own the house near Ambleside which was the final home of England’s most famous poet.

The winner will be announced at an award ceremony at the end of March and will receive a trophy and a £50 cash prize.

A trophy bearing the winner’s name will be kept on display in the house alongside a framed copy of the winning entry.

Three runners-up will each receive book prizes.

Peter Elkington, the curator of Rydal Mount who organised the competition on behalf of the Wordsworth family, said he was delighted with the response from schools around the county.

“We are impressed with the entries, and grateful to the schools for their interest and participation. This is going to be an annual award, and we are pleased that it is encouraging the creativity of young writers.”