THE search to find Worcestershire’s Young Poet Laureate for 2013 is almost over.

Worcestershire's County Council Libraries and Learning, Arts and Children Services teams has received 33 entries from across the county and with each young poet submitting two poems, one of which was on the subject of 'stars' and the other on a subject of their choice.

After much deliberation 15 poets were chosen to perform at the grand final at Number 8 Community theatre in Pershore on Friday, January 25 at 7:30 pm.

Ruth Foster, Steve Wilson and Julie Andrews from Worcestershire County Council will be present on the judging panel along with professional poet Matt Windle.

They will be looking for someone with a unique talent for poetry who will not only embrace the role of Worcestershire's Young Poet Laureate but also promote poetry to others.

The winner will also be able to call upon the knowledge and support of their own poetry mentor, who will help them throughout their time as the Young Poet Laureate.

Natalie McVey, service development co-ordinator said: "This competition has been a great way to encourage young people to explore their local library, get creative, improve their writing and hopefully catch the poetry bug.

“Everything's set for a wonderful final."

Admission to the final is £6. For details call Steve Wilson on 0905765754 or Natalie McVey on 07876 144905 or visit worcestershire.gov.uk/wordup.

The 15 finalists are: Tierney Holloway, aged 15, from Droitwich, Georgia Chambers, aged 15, from Bromsgrove, Jack Morris, aged 17, from Bromsgrove, Abigail Richards, aged 15, from Hagley, Georgia Higgins, aged 13, from Redditch, Teddy Horton-Turner from Rock near Bewdley, Holly Perrett ,aged 17, from Malvern, Charlotte Rhodes, aged 15, from Stourport-On-Severn, Molly Bradbury, aged 16, from Stourport-On-Severn, Ryah Westwood, aged 17, from Redditch, Sara Rafaty, aged 15, from Redditch, Ebony Healy, aged15, from Redditch, Chloe Clarke, aged 13, from Redditch Ryan Gallagher, aged 19, from Wolverley, Stephanierose Albach, aged 19, from Dudley, a student at the University of Worcester.