A BROMSGROVE woman has been crowned the new Worcestershire Poet Laureate 2017.

Nina Lewis scooped the title during the final at Worcester Racecourse on Friday, June 9.

"I think I was stunned when it was announced," she said.

"I remember just grinning and not being able to say much. Being involved in poetry has changed my life, it is good to give something back. I really want to encourage people to write, read and enjoy poetry.

She added: "The other finalists Damon Lord and Louise Reeder performed excellent poems and the competition was tough.

"The county has had some strong laureates and I am excited to continue building on their success. "

The event also saw the launch of the 7th Worcester LitFest.

Contestants had to submit two poems anonymously along with a summary of what they would do as laureate.

On the evening, the finalists had an informal interview with a panel of five judges before performing their poems and revealing their plans.

As the new Worcestershire Poet Laureate Ms Lewis has performed at events in the festival, including her own show '30-40-60', a collaboration devised with Kathy Gee and Claire Walker.

During Refugee Awareness Week she actioned a call for submissions and the collection can be read online.

Since then she has promoted National Writing Day and organised a poetry picnic with a group of local poets performing at the Salt King 200 event at the Château Impney.

Nina will be working with the LitFest organisers at events across the year, as well as taking up the monthly Laureate spot on BBC Hereford & Worcester.

She is also involved in a project at Croome Court and will continue her work as Lead Writer for Spark Young Writers' group at The Hive.

A spokesman from Worcester LitFest said: "Nina has been a determined supporter of Worcestershire LitFest and Fringe in past years, and we are delighted to see her take up the position of Worcestershire Poet Laureate.

"We know that she’ll make us proud."