A WORCESTERSHIRE wordsmith wowed judges to be crowned the county’s third young poet laureate.

Holly Perrett, of Malvern, was unveiled as the winner at the competition’s grand final. Worcestershire County Council’s search for a budding poet began in October last year and more than 30 young people entered its Word Up competition.

The contest was open to youngsters between the ages of 13 and 19 who live in, or attend school, college, university or a youth club in Worcestershire.

The 18-year-old was crowned at a rescheduled event which was held at Pershore’s Number 8 Theatre. She beat 14 other finalists.

Holly performed her winning poems, the Weight of the Stars and the In-between, to a live audience and a panel of judges which was made up of council officers Julie Andrews, of children’s services, Ruth Foster, of libraries and learning, and county arts officer Steve Wilson, plus a professional poet – Matt Windle. Debbie Birch, the county council’s head of heritage, arts and music, presented Holly with her trophy.

As Worcestershire’s young poet laureate, she will now take on various responsibilities including acting as a poetry champion to encourage and inspire others to enjoy poetry.

One of her first duties will be to perform at an event celebrating the winner of this year’s Worcestershire Teen Book Award, which is due to take place at County Hall tomorrow.

Holly said: “It was great to take part and especially to hear and read other young people’s poems.”

The two runners-up, who were both commended for fine efforts with their poems, were Georgia Higgins, aged 14, of Redditch, and Ryan Gallagher, 17, of Wolverley, near Kidderminster.