TO mark the centenary of World War One the Pershore poppy appeal has launched a poetry competition for young people in the hope it will inspire them to continue remembering those lost to war.

The Poppy Appeal Committee wants to ensure children will carry on with the tradition of remembrance in the country in years to come by passing on the importance of the yearly event.

Trudy Burge, who is organising the competition, said the event was a follow up from the school's Armistice Day Service that took place on November 11 last year at Pershore Commemorative Garden.

"In all the various Remembrance and commemoration services I've attended over the years, nothing has ever moved me as much as our Pershore School's Service," said Mrs Burge.

"It is important to engage each new generation so they can take their turn in ensuring those that paid the ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten.

"I am thrilled at least two of the town's schools have already confirmed they will be holding activities this term as part of the commemoration of the Centenary of WW1 and very much hope we will have lots of entries.

"The words of a child are often the most simple but the most poignant."

The competition entries will form a collection of poems and entries should be by those under 18, between eight and 16 lines long on the theme of either WW1 or remembrance and there should be no graphic or explicit text.

It's being sponsored by the Pershore & District Royal Naval Association and Royal British Legion, there will be a £20 prize for the winner, £10 prize for the two runners up and the winning poem will be read out at a service in the town on August 14. The other two poems will be read out at the Pershore Schools Armistice Day Service on November 11.

Entries should be submitted before Monday, July 14, to Pershore Remembrance Poetry Competition, 18 Church Street, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 1DT or via email to trudy.burge@gmail.com and schools that would like to take part can also contact Mrs Burge.