A YEAR eight student at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton, has reached the finals of the Betjeman Poetry Prize.

Vlad Mototolea was one of only six finalists in the country, shortlisted from thousands of entries, and received “Highly Commended”, for his poem entitled “My Place”.

Founded in 2006, on the centenary of former poet laureate Sir John Betjeman’s birth, the Betjeman Poetry Prize is a writing competition that invites entries from 10 to 13-year-olds across the British Isles, who must write on the theme of “place”.

Vlad travelled to London, with his family and teacher Amanda Middlemost, to receive his certificate from Wendy Cope, at the annual awards ceremony held at St Pancras Station.

Vlad also won £50 and an invitation to attend a Poetry Camp.

Read more in this week’s paper.