TEENAGE poet Chris Thompson proved he has a way with words after penning a prize-winning piece of verse.
The talented 15-year-old, who attends Teesdale Comprehensive School, Barnard Castle, won first prize in the 13 to 16-years category of the Ottakers bookshops poetry competition.
His moving poem caught the eye of Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, who judged the competition.
The subject for his poem, war photography, was inspired by Chris's desire to be a journalist when he leaves school. His literary effort won him a £100 prize and £100 for his school.
Chris, from Barnard Castle, said: "I was shocked to win, actually, but pleasantly surprised. I don't know what I'll spend the money on, we'll just have to see what Christmas brings."
Chris writes poetry at home when he takes time out from studying for his GCSEs.
He said: "I intend to stay on at school and after university I want to train to be a journalist or a pilot.
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