TALENTED borough poets are being encouraged to put pen to paper and enter a national competition for the chance to win £1,000.

Winning entries will be featured in The National Poetry Anthology and the poet will receive a free copy of the book.

The overall winner will receive the cash prize.

"The National Poetry Anthology is designed to encourage new writers," said its editor, Peter Quinn.

He continued: "We picked more than 250 town winners last year but we want the new edition to include a winner from every town and village in Dudley borough. So far, we haven't had enough entries from the area to achieve that."

Entrants can send three unpublished poems, on any subject (up to 25 lines including blank lines and 160 words each) to United Press Ltd, Admail 3735, London, EC1B 1JB.

The closing date is June 30.