PUPILS at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham found their inner Shakespeare and put pen to paper as they took part in a poetry writing week hosted by poet and award winner, Ash Dickinson.

The sessions were organised as part of a war poetry unit for Year 8 pupils, with the aim of broadening their knowledge of poetic techniques and giving them the opportunity to share ideas.

Mr Dickinson, a multiple slam poetry award winner, helped pupils compose three-line poems of 17 syllables and their own war poetry.

The pupils at Hardenhuish School were also able to listen to Mr Dickinson’s award-winning poetry on subjects ranging from food photography and punching snow to ducks emerging out of leather jackets, which he has performed at literary festivals around the world including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Speaking about his visit Mr Dickinson said: “Hardenhuish's Year 8s were fantastic, their attitude towards me was wonderful, not to mention their approach to the theme of war which we undertook.

“They wrote such mature, considered, empathetic responses, and I don't envy the librarian, Mr Southwood, as he now has to separate good poem from good poem to showcase a selection in the library. It was a really lovely visit.”