SIR – Can I congratulate Lisa Ventura on how well she has run Worcestershire’s first literary festival.

I was there at Worcester Cathedral for the competition for Worcestershire’s first poet laureate.

It was entertaining, articulate and the competition was extremely fierce.

It inspired me to start writing verses albeit for a weekend.

It also highlighted the importance of poetry being an excellent mechanism for young people to express their thoughts as well as their feelings of frustration and love.

There were a broad spectrum of events held across the county that were equally impressive.

Well done to Lisa and all the volunteers for making it an excellent event and a resounding success. Long may it live.

COUNCILLOR JABBA RIAZ
Worcester City Council