TALENTED young Droitwich poet, Elliott Linney, has won first place in a top poetry contest.

The nine-year-old entered the I See a Person competition run by Age Concern Herefordshire and Worcestershire and supported by Age Concern Droitwich Spa and District.

All entrants were asked to produce a poem expressing a positive view of ageing.

Elliot's poem, The Age Page, was picked from a countywide submission and by the nationally renowned slam-poet Juliette Prais.

The competition coincides with national Age Concern Week, which runs until Saturday.

The week focuses on how to get the most out of life over 50 and highlights the breadth of work carried out by Age Concerns across the country for the over 50s, their families, friends and carers.

Thrilled Sandra Crawford, chief officer of Age Concern Droitwich Spa and District, was thrilled by the judges' decision.

"We would obviously like to congratulate Elliott on his poem and winning the competition. Here in Droitwich we work very hard to promote a positive view of ageing to young people.

"In fact for the last fourteen years I have been taking a series of PHSE lessons every year at Droitwich High School called Challenging Ageing. These lessons, taken by year nine pupils, really help to dispel some of the negative ideas that young people may have about older people and the ageing process. Apart from this the lessons are great fun and are enjoyed by all the class. Well done Elliott."

Prizes were awarded by Councillor Stephen Inman, mayor of Worcester, and chairman of Age Concern Herefordshire and Worcestershire Mary Wilkinson, in Worcester, yesterday (Tuesday).