BLACK Country bards who enter a national poetry competition stand to win £50 and see their work in print.

United Press has launched the competition to encourage people to put pen to paper over the summer holidays.

People can submit up to three poems - each up to 25 lines, with a maximum of 160 words – which fit with the theme ‘My Secret Wish’.

The winner will receive £50, a free framed certificate and a free copy of the book containing their poem.

Entrants should send their work to United Press Ltd, Admail 3735, London, EC1B 1JB.

Competition entries must include the poet's full name, postal address and the reference LPMSW.

The closing date is September 30.