National recognition for teenage poet (From Gazette Series)

National recognition for teenage poet

8:50am Friday 26th September 2008 in News By Jayne Bennett

A SIXTH former in her final year at Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School is one of just a few winners of a national poetry competition.

Janey Thornton, 17, was one of more than 5,000 poets from all over the country who took part in Foyle’s Young Poet of the Year competition and is one of the 100 finalists who have been invited to London on National Poetry Day, October 9, to hear the final 15 winners announced.

The winning poems will be published in a specially printed anthology which will be distributed nationally.

Janey said: "I’m pretty happy. I had the letter a couple of weeks ago now, so it’s had time to sink in."

Janey, who is studying A-levels in English, geography and sociology, added: "I was going to study English at university, but I may take a gap year now and do some more writing."

Her poetry was ‘launched’ to the public at Under the Edge Arts last Sunday.

Published poet John Hegley announced Janey’s poetry to the audience, who have since had a chance to view the poems on display at the Arts Centre.

"We’re very proud of Janey," said Bill Sanderson, outgoing chairman of Under the Edge Arts.

"We are always very keen to encourage creative talent in the community."

Lisa Roberts, speaking on behalf of The Poetry Society, which organised the event, said: "It’s truly excellent. Every year we are amazed at the quality of writing being produced by our young poets.

"Just as amazing is the fact that the poetry is comparable to that being produced in the national competition, which is open to all ages."