Peterborough children can enter ‘gross’ poetry competition

Throughout lockdown, the Peterborough Reads team has been busy setting challenges for youngsters to keep them occupied and learning. For their latest activity, the campaign has joined forces with local poet Paul Hymas.

Paul Hymas, author of Bogey Roads: and other polluted poems, writes about everything from farts and belly button fluff to lost socks and now we’re challenging local children to write something just as gross!

To take part, children (aged 7 – 13) have to write a poem about a spot – the poem can be long or short, and the more disgusting the descriptions, the better!

Sally Atkinson, Peterborough Reads Manager, said: “This competition is the perfect summer holiday activity – it’s not just about learning, it’s about having fun too! We were blown away by the responses to our previous poetry writing competition, inspired by Benjamin Zephaniah, so we know Peterborough’s children are excellent poets. We can’t wait to read the responses to Paul’s super-spotty challenge and see one lucky winner’s words brought to life on his popular YouTube channel for all children to enjoy.”

Paul Hymas said: “When I was furloughed I decided to use the time to give something back to the community. I used to work in schools during my degree and I loved every minute, so being able to team up with Peterborough Reads and see the work of local children is an absolute pleasure.”

Entries will be judged in collaboration with Hymas and the winning poem will be brought to life in a video for the Splyt Jaws YouTube channel. Your work will be read aloud and you’re words will also be transformed into a professional illustration. All poems should be sent to [email protected].

The competition is open to children aged 7-13 who live in Peterborough and the surrounding area.

For more information visit the Peterborough Reads website https://literacytrust.org.uk/communities/peterborough/