TWO teenagers have narrowly missed out on the title of Worcestershire’s first young poet laureate.

Harry Evans, aged 17, from Kempsey, and Beth Edwards, 16, from Norton, near Evesham, were beaten to the title by Laura Dedicoat, 17, from Bromsgrove.

Fifteen finalists performed at the grand final on Friday, January 28, in front of an audience and judges at Number 8 theatre in Pershore. Each finalist performed two poems, one on the subject of home and another on a subject of their choice. Beth and Harry were presented with certificates by Ruth Foster, Worcestershire County Council’s literacy and reading manager for the libraries and learning service, for their final performances.