THE search is now on to find Worcestershire's next Young Poet Laureate.

The launch of the Word Up! competition coincided with National Poetry Day, a celebration of all things to do with poetry.

To be eligible, young people need to be aged between 13 and 19 and live in Worcestershire, or attend a school, college, university or youth club in the county. The winner is awarded a commission of £150 to write and perform poems throughout the year.

The current laureate, Oakley Flanagan, aged 19, from Hanbury, has been working to promote issues affecting young people throughout his year.

He said: "Becoming Young Poet Laureate of Worcestershire this year has been an incredible experience. From being commissioned to write for local campaigns or performing around the county, you get a fantastic platform to share your work and develop as a poet.

"The opportunities you’ll get to represent Worcestershire and have your voice heard, as well as being an advocate for young people is what it’s all about.

"If you’ve been writing lines secretly in your bedroom, seen clips of spoken word online and thought to yourself ‘I’d love to do that’, then submit. Put pen to paper and apply, because it’s too good an opportunity to miss."

Cllr Lucy Hodgson of Worcestershire County Council said: "Being able to express yourself is so important for young people to navigate their way from childhood into adulthood. Poetry offers young people a rich palette to pick from. The Word Up! competition is open to anyone from any background and designed to encourage all young people to take part."

Natalie McVey, service leader for young people in the county, said: "Writing poetry is a great way to express yourself and have fun with language. 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 and you never know where it will lead."

Young people wishing to enter the competition are asked to send in two poems, one on this year's theme, which is 'Freedom,' and another on a subject of their choice.

Application forms can be downloaded from worcestershire.gov.uk/wordup. The closing date for entries is December 31 and the winner will be chosen at a live final in January at the Hive in Worcester.