Young Cumbrian poets have a chance to follow the poetic path of William Wordsworth as the annual Rydal Mount prize launches for its 11th year.

The contest, organised by Mr Wordsworth's family, invites pupils from all primary and secondary schools across the county to explore this year's theme, 'Changes'.

"Over the years the award has drawn some wonderful contributions from talented youngsters," said Christopher Wordsworth Andrew, great-great-great-great grandson of Wordsworth and one of the competition's organisers.

On the theme, he said: "We thought about this in December when the heavy snow completely changed the landscape, and changed our plans too. "We all have changes in our lives, small or big. Moving house, moving to a new school, changes in the family, maybe getting a new pet, or a new friend, but also the big changes happening around us in the world, especially climate change.

"We think there's scope for young imaginations here."

Primary and secondary school winners will receive prizes including an assortment of books, with the overall winner also receiving £50 in book tokens.

The winning poem will be displayed in the famed poet's former home in Ambleside alongside some of his own pieces.

Last year, Windermere School's Scarlett Swift won the competition and her work is displayed for the thousands of visitors to the home.

Entries should be typed in either 12 or 14 point font, double spaced, and not exceed one side of A4 paper.

The writer's name, age, and school must feature on the entry sheets to qualify for judging.

The entries, free from illustrations, should be saved as individual Word documents and emailed to poetry@rydalmount.co.uk.

The closing date for entries, is Friday, April 26.

The award ceremony, to be held on July 4, will welcome all participants along with their parents and teachers.