Ever felt inspired to put pen to paper to write poetry about the local area? Then why not enter a competition to find the next Fenland Poet Laureate.

Cambs Times: Fenland Poet Laureate JonathanTotman.Fenland Poet Laureate JonathanTotman. (Image: Archant)

Last year’s winner was Jonathan Totman, from Ely, who has spent the last year writing poetry for local events and raising the profile of literary and creative writing in the area.

If you’re inspired then all you need to do is write a poem for Fenland and organisers say winning the title is a great recognition of talent, as well as a fantastic opportunity to engage with the local community and develop your career as a poet.

The competition organisers are looking for poems that represent and relate to the theme Fenland.

You can interpret the theme in any way you choose – the more creative the better.

First, second and third places will be awarded to three of the poets in both the adult (18+) category and the young (10-17) category.

Certificates of achievement will be given to all short-listed and commended entrants.

All shortlisted and commended poets will be invited to the special Fenland Poet Laureate Awards evening on Friday April 8 at the March Town Hall.

Deadline is midnight on Friday January 29.

Poems should be no longer than 40 lines and typed on a single side of A4 paper.

All entrants must live, work, or study in the Fens and only one poem per entrant is allowed. This poem must be previously unpublished.

Please send your poem, along with a cover email with your name, email address, telephone number, address, age group entered and the title of the poem to: fenlandpoetlaureate@gmail.com

Alternatively, you can pick up an entry form from your local library or museum and post your entry to ADeC at the Babylon Gallery, Waterside, Ely, CB7 4AU.

The poetry competition is into its fifth year and receives support from ADeC and the Wisbech and Fenland Museum with funding from Wisbech Town Council and Friends of the Wisbech and Fenland Museum.