THE search is on for the poetry champion of Worcester to represent the city in a best of British poetry book.

United Press is looking for someone from each village and town in the county to submit a poem to be considered for the anthology.

Entry is free and each published poet will receive a copy of the book. There will be one overall prize of £1,000.

Poets have been urged to pick up their pens because the closing date is Monday, June 30.

"The National Poetry Anthology is designed to encourage new writers," said editor Peter Quinn.

"We picked 236 town winners last year but we want the new edition to include a winner from every town and village in the circulation area of the Evening News. So far, we haven't had enough entries from the area to achieve that."

To enter a poem on any subject send it to United Press Ltd, Admail 3735, London EC1B 1JB.

Poems can be up to 20 lines and 160 words.