TALENTED pupils from Bengeworth Academy in Evesham welcomed a special guest to their National Poetry Day assembly.

Nigel Huddleston, MP for Mid Worcestershire, visited the school to listen to talented pupils performing their own poetry on the theme of messages.

Mr Huddleston said: "The creativity and imagination of the students really impressed me.

"It was great to see so many young people excited about poetry and language, and so confident in speaking in front of a hall full of people.

"The assembly was a perfect way to celebrate National Poetry Day and I am very grateful to Debra Bertulis and the pupils for inviting me."

Headteacher David Coaché said: “Pupils were very excited about this opportunity to showcase their performance skills.

"They demonstrated a real passion for both well-known and original poems in front of a very enthusiastic and responsive audience.”

Mr Huddleston also took away a copy of The Poetry Pop In Poetry anthology, written and published by members of Bengeworth Academy’s lunch time poetry club.

One of the poems from the anthology, “I Think” by Joshua Chibge was even published on the blog of famous children’s poet Brian Moses and is the first of many anthologies planned by Poetry Pop In members.