A YOUNG Uttoxeter poet is celebrating seeing his work in print after taking up poetry only a year ago.
Callum Brassington, of Oriole Close, has had four poems printed in Young Poets of the Year 2011, after he was chosen as one of 17 aspiring writers from across the UK.
The four poems are entitled A Sprinkle of Snow, Message in a Bottle, Easter Celebrations and William and Kate.
This is the sixth time he has had his work printed in 12 months after hearing about a poetry competition in the local media, and discovered his enjoyment of the subject.
The 15-year-old said he got asked to enter the competition through an e-mail from United Press, after previously having work printed in their other publications including The Power of Poetry and A Poem for Christmas.
“It is great, I didn’t expect it,” he said. “It is a bit weird to see something I have done myself in a real book.
“Poetry is not something I have always been into but a year ago a saw an advert for a competition and I thought I would try it. I found I liked it and I carried on writing.
“I have got more into it since the competition and I like writing in general as well as poetry. I like writing anything but I prefer poetry.
“My parents are really supportive and very proud.” The Thomas Alleyne’s High School pupil, whose other interests include football, tennis, reading, drama and taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, said he would consider a career in writing.
He said his work is influenced by real life and describes his style as non-fiction and straight to the point.
Joanne Cummings, of United Press, said: “Our aim is to encourage young people to get more involved in poetry and all the 17 poets get five free copies of the book, which includes photos and profiles of each one, plus several of their poems.” Young Poets of the Year 2011 costs £9.99 and is available at www.unitedpress.co.uk.
United Press Ltd is currently on the look out for under 16 year olds to submit their work for the next edition and more information is available by phoning 0844 800 9177.
