THE search to find Worcestershire’s Young Poet Laureate for 2013 is almost over.

Worcestershire County Council have received 33 entries with each young poet submitting two poems – one of which was on the subject of ‘stars’ and the other on a subject of their choice.

Fifteen were chosen to perform at the grand final at Number 8 in Pershore on Friday at 7.30pm.

Ruth Foster, Steve Wilson and Julie Andrews, of the county council, will be present on the judging panel along with professional poet Matt Windle.

They will be looking for someone with a unique talent for poetry who will not only embrace the role of Worcestershire’s Young Poet Laureate but also promote poetry to others.

The winner will also be able to call upon a poetry mentor, who will help them throughout their time as the Young Poet Laureate.

Natalie McVey, service development co-ordinator, said: “This competition has been a great way to encourage young people to explore their local library, get creative, improve their writing and hopefully catch the poetry bug.”

Last year’s winner was Rowan Standish-Hayes, of Malvern, a pupil at the Chase School.

Admission is £6. For details, call Steve Wilson on 09057 65754, Natalie McVey on 07876 144905 or visit worcestershire.gov.uk/wordup.