We're a district of poets - but can the writers, artists and photographers catch up!

With poems flying in to the council offices almost every day, chairman Councillor Bob McClenning has made a last plea for literature, art and photographs for his book Poems People and Places.

And he has extended the deadline for all entries to December 9th to take into account the Christmas post but in particular so the rest can have more time.

He has also announced a world class group of judges to examine the entries:

- T S Eliot award winning poet George Szirtes, - best selling children's story writer Terence Blacker, - internationally acclaimed local artist Colin Self, and; - former Fleet Street photographer David Koppel.

Councillor McClenning said:

"We have a world class group of judges here and I cannot thank them enough for taking time out to demonstrate their commitment to local people. I wanted to use this book to encourage people to create, and it is genuinely exciting to have people responding in this way.

"Let's be honest - knowing your work, whether it be a poem, watercolour, photograph or short story, will be seen by the calibre of judges who have agreed to take part is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And if they like you, you get published!"

So far, the council has received 114 poems, 30 works of art, 22 photographs and 11 pieces of literature.

"It looks like the entries show we are a district of poets at heart. That's wonderful - and T S Eliot award winner George Szirtes will be delighted.

"But come on you budding writers - Terence Blacker, the author of children's classics like the Ms Wiz stories and a regular a column in the Independent, is going to be reading your work - what's holding you back!

"On photography, we have had some stunning photographs sent in. The advent of the digital camera has revolutionised the world of photography and opened it up to almost everyone. Former Fleet Street photographer David Koppel is waiting for your pictures. "And we have had 30 works of art so far, but we know from the art classes people are attending that the talent and the creativity is there. Take a chance, send us your work, and get it in front of world-renowned artist Colin Self. It's too good an opportunity to miss."

The criteria for entries to be considered are:

Photographs - consent must be obtained for any photos containing portraiture at the time of taking the image.

Poems - blank or rhyming verse, of approx 500 words

Literature - up to 750 words, fact or fiction

Artworks - 750mm x 500mm maximum in pen + ink, charcoal, oil, watercolour or any other medium suitable for printing.

Councillor McClenning's book Poems People and Places will be a hardback on sale in locally next summer. All contributors will be credited, but personal copyright must be waived - any profits will go to a local charity. For further information, contact Sonia Bright on 01508 533947.

Entries should be sent to:

Poems, People & Places Leisure Services South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton NR15 2XE

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