YOUNGSTERS at Eppleby Forcett Primary School, near Richmond, are to have their poems published.

The poems were selected for publication in Hidden Treasured North Yorkshire and Little Verses after their success in two poetry competitions.

The contests aim to encourage children to read, write and enjoy literature. Poems by seven pupils were chosen from more than 70,000 entries.

The winning youngsters were Eloise Rose, Catherine Howson, Elizabeth Priestley, Ben Stacey, Lianne Kenyon, Austin Chapman and Sarah Chapman.

Headteacher Stephen Kirby said: "I am pleased and proud of the children and feel it is a marvellous achievement. It is a reflection of the children's skills in creating wonderful poetry."