A VILLAGE school's pupils placed in the top three at a county competition after showing off their skills in verse.

A group from Norton Juxta Kempsey Primary competed in the Worcestershire Schools Poetry Slam final at the Palace Theatre, Redditch.

The pupils finished second out of 13 schools for their emotive poem Refuge.

It recognised the growing crises around the world and the impact they have on people’s lives.

The six year six pupils from the school based in Wadborough Road, Littleworth, sought to raise awareness of how difficult seeking refuge is.

They also looked to show how important it is to support those who have had to move location due to disasters.

They penned lines such as 'A safer place is all they seek', 'Leaving behind a future that’s bleak', 'Give them a chance; show who they can trust', 'Show them a life that’s worthwhile and just'.

The pupils were proud of their performance on the night and delighted to bring home a second-placed trophy for their efforts.

Norton Juxta Kempsey Primary is among the family of schools run by Avonreach Academy Trust which also includes Inkberrow Primary and Orchard Primary in Pershore.

Winners at the Palace Theatre on Wednesday, March 20 were St John's Middle Academy from Bromsgrove with the runners-up being Arden Academy from Solihull.

Poetry slams derive from how the audience has the power to praise or sometimes destroy a poem and from the high-energy performance style of the poets.