BUDDING Wordsworths and Tennysons are being urged to put pen to paper for Swindon's Learning Partnership

The partnership is encouraging people aged 16 and over to express their thoughts and feelings on the theme of Spirit Of Swindon.

To enter poems should be taken to any Swindon Council library by Friday, April 22.

Only one entry is allowed from each person. The judging panel, which includes Matt Holland, who runs the Swindon Festival of Literature, will select eight winning poems from the entries.

These will then be made into colourful posters and displayed bus shelters across in Swindon during the year.

The winners will also receive a framed copy of their poem and a book token.

Coun Andrew Bennett, the cabinet member for community and partnerships, said: "This is a very successful competition which always receives a lot of entries.

"It is a very creative way for Swindonians to express their opinions and ideas on the town, past and present.

"I am sure this year's competition will be no exception and we will have some truly excellent contributions."