BROMSGROVE and Rednal poets have been recognised for their support of a county festival.

Rednal poet Giovanni “Spoz” Esposito and Bromsgrove poet Maggie Doyle have both been presented with a lifetime membership and made honorary friends of the Worcestershire Literary Festival.

Giovanni is a former Birmingham Poet Laureate, while Maggie is the current Worcestershire Poet Laureate.

The pair were honoured for their support of the festival since its launch in 2010, which has included its promotion and giving up their time as volunteers.

Maggie said: "I was excited at the concept of a literary festival when it first started to take shape and I am very pleased to have been part of it since then.

“I am sure it will go from strength-to-strength.”

Lisa Ventura, Worcestershire Literary Festival's director, said: “Both Maggie and Spoz have gone above and beyond the call of duty for the festival.

“The festival committee was delighted to present them with an honorary lifetime membership, which they both richly deserve.”