PRIZE money for the best young poet in Cumbria has been doubled this year to mark the fifth anniversary of a popular competition.

The annual Rydal Mount Wordsworth prize for young poets is organised by the descendants of William Wordsworth, and is open to students at schools across the county.

This year the author of the winning poem will receive £100 plus a trophy, and the poem will be framed and displayed alongside the work of the famous poet at Rydal Mount.

The theme for this year’s competition - a walk on the wild side - was chosen by Wordsworth's great-great-great-granddaughter, Susan. She and other descendants will judge the poems, and the winner will be announced on April 27.

Peter Elkington, curator of Rydal Mount, who is organising the contest on behalf of the Wordsworth family, said: "The competition has attracted some wonderful work from young people over the years, and we are looking forward to seeing what this year’s entries surprise us with.

"It’s also a chance for a young poet to see his or her work immortalised alongside the poems of Wordsworth himself in his former home, and read by thousands of visitors."

For the young poets judged as highly commended in the primary and secondary school categories, there will be book prizes, and each entrant will also receive a certificate signed by Wordsworth's descendants.

Last year’s winner was Jacob Currie, 14, a pupil at Furness Academy, with his poem The Gap in Life, which is displayed at Rydal Mount for visitors to read.

The closing date for entries is Monday, March 20. To enter, visit https://northwestnewsandfeatures.wordpress.com/2017/02/03/the-rydal-mount-wordsworth-prize-for-young-poets-entries-now-open/

Photos: Last year's winner Jacob with Christopher Wordsworth

Winning poems are put on display at Rydal Mount