EXERCISE your poetic skills and capture the essence of Swindon. The Swindon Learning Partnership Family and Community Learning are launching a poetry competition called Poems from the Bus Shelter.

Budding poets, aged 14 and over, should try to express the spirit of Swindon in their entries.

Jackie Crowther, family learning co-ordinator for the Swindon Learning Partner-ship, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to be creative and express some positive views about the town.

"Swindon MP Julia Drown initiated the idea and we hope to have lots of entries. It is a brilliant chance to be upbeat about the town."

The winners will be presented with a poster-sized version of their work. And 10 selected entries could be displayed in Swindon bus shelters and on buses.

Entries with your name, address, age and phone number should be submitted on A4 paper and taken to your local library by April 18. For details call (01793) 466313.