English teacher Mark Grist claimed the honour in what was described as the highest quality final ever.

Mr Grist (26), who teaches at Hampton College, won the contest with his poem What Tie Shall I Wear Today?

He said: "At school we were writing poems about dreams, and the pupils asked 'Sir, what do you dream about?' so I wrote about the perfect tie.

"I feel flattered and very fortunate to have won. There was a really high standard of competition out there tonight."

Mr Grist, one of the co-founders of the monthly Pint of Poetry and A Dash of Drama society, which meets again tomorrow night at Charters pub, in Peterborough, said he was now looking forward to starting his duties in the role.

He said: "I have got lots of ideas at the moment on what I am going to do, but I think it is important to get as much poetry going on in schools as possible. I want to let young people know that poetry can be relevant to their lives."

The ceremony, at the John Clare Theatre, in Central Library, Broadway, was hosted by the city's first laureate, Toby Wood, and there were performances from the 11 finalists, as well as from several previous laureates.

Mr Wood said: "The standard was very high this year, and the judges had a very tough time deciding on a winner.

"I think Mark is a good communicator, and his lively style will help bring the words to life."