Two new Poets Laureate for Staffordshire have been pointed to promote poetry across the county.
Scarlett Ward and Harry Fletcher have taken the roles of Staffordshire Poet Laureate and Young Poet Laureate respectively.
They were inaugurated at a special event at Stafford Library on National Poetry Day.
Scarlett, from Stafford, said: “It means the world to me to be entrusted with the role of Staffordshire Poet Laureate, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with members of the community to bring poetry into the spotlight.
“I hope that through my work I am able to share the joy that poems can spark, both in those new to the craft as well as those who already find home upon the page.
“Staffordshire has a long history of esteemed Laureates, and it is an honour to have my name amongst them.”
Harry, who is currently studying at Codsall Community High School, is the 11th Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate.
He aspires to become a journalist and his passion for poetry has led him to win a recent Young Writers competition where his work will be published.
Harry, from Perton, said: “Being appointed to the role is gratifying and I can’t wait to start my duties. Over my year as young laureate I am ambitious about encouraging a new generation of writers.
“My aspiration in the role is to endeavour the future of poetry in and around Staffordshire, through the promotion of literature and exciting events.”
At the event, outgoing Poet Laureate Dawn Jutton described her year in the role as “great opportunity to write, commission and celebrate Staffordshire and to perform these across the Midlands.”
The initiative is managed by Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries and Arts Service and aims to encourage a wider appreciation and enjoyment of poetry across Staffordshire.
People can follow Harry’s work on his new Instagram page Fletcher Poetry and Scarlett’s work will be reflected through the Fawn Press website and Fawn Press Publisher Of Poetry on Instagram.
