THE Autumn in Malvern Festival has a poetic focus this weekend.

Daisy Goodwin presents Poems for a Lifetime at Malvern Theatres tomorrow (Saturday) at 11am.

She will read poems from authors including Edward Thomas and Blake Morrison to encourage, soothe and inspire.

TV producer and writer Daisy is best known for her prime-time BBC series on poetry and her columns in the Radio Times and You magazine.

After the reading, at 12.30pm, Daisy will be signing her books at Beacon Books, Worcester Road.

The life of Ledbury poet John Masefield will be relived as part of the festival.

Christopher Robbie and Andrew Bannerman will perform a biographical sequence devised by festival director Peter Smith, featuring many of Masefield's poems.

The performance is sponsored by the John Masefield Society in Ledbury and will take place at Malvern Theatres at 2.15pm on Sunday. Tickets are £9.50 from 01684 892277.

Kitchen and furniture specialists Robson Ward joined in the fun of the festival with an open day at their showrooms on Belle Vue Terrace on Saturday.

The Malvern Male Voice Choir, morris dancers and cookery demonstrations attracted visitors to the event. Children also displayed their artistic talent through an art competition.

Showroom manager Abigail Todhunter said: "It was a really nice day. We've always done something for the Autumn in Malvern Festival, but this was the first time that children have really got involved.

"The entries for the art competition were right across the board, from the Chase and Dyson Perrins through to Malvern Link Primary, it was really nice bringing the community together."

The art competition was judged by Mr Smith and local artist David Prentice.

Jamie Todhunter, from St Joseph's Primary, won the prize for the 8-11 years age group, while Jane Sortling, from the Chase, won the 12-15 years category.