A competition to find the county's next Young Poet Laureate has been launched by Warwickshire County Council libraries.

Warwickshire's eighth young laureate will succeed Daniel Wale in the role for 2022/23.

The competition is open to anyone aged between 13 and 17 who lives and is educated in Warwickshire, and who would like to perform their own poetry to an audience.

The council said the laureateship is a "unique opportunity" for the successful candidate to "develop their writing skills" under the mentorship of a professional poet.

Past Warwickshire Young Poet Laureates have performed on the radio, on film, at festivals and led their own poetry workshops.

Applications are open until 6pm on Thursday 6 October 2022.

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by Friday 28 October.

They will then be invited to take part in a selection day which includes a workshop with a professional poet, a short individual interview with judges and a performance in front of an audience at a public event.

This will take place at one of Warwickshire's libraries on Saturday 5 November.

Cllr Andy Jenns, portfolio holder for customer and transformation, said: "The Young Poet Laureate initiative provides a great opportunity for the county's young people to enjoy being immersed in the world of poetry reading, writing, and performance.

"Over the years, Warwickshire Libraries' Laureates have inspired hundreds of young people by leading workshops, appearing on film and radio and at festivals, and have helped to share the message that poetry is accessible to everyone.

"This initiative is part of our wider work for a Child Friendly Warwickshire, ensuring that all young people have a voice that is heard and that they are safe, happy and healthy and equipped with the right skills to have the best lives they can.

"I encourage all eligible young people to apply for the Young Poet Laureate role and to enjoy this wonderful creative experience."

The Young Poet Laureate competition is supported by Poetry on Loan, an initiative supported by Arts Council England that promotes contemporary poetry throughout public libraries in the West Midlands.

To apply, applicants need to:

• Be 13-17 years old.
• Live and be ducated in Warwickshire.
• Fill in the Application Form (available in the weblink below)
• Submit three poems. One should be inspired by Warwickshire; one should be about or inspired by libraries and the third can be of your own choosing.
• Submit a personal statement and explain in 250 words:

1. Why you want to be Warwickshire Libraries' Young Poet Laureate
2. How you would promote poetry to the diverse range of people

To submit an application, or for help with any questions about the application process, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/youngpoetlaureate or email [email protected]