SCHOOL children from across York are being invited to enter a poetry competition to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

The York Remembers poetry contest is part of a York Army Museum competition called ‘York Remembers: Lifting the shadow of the First World War’, a remembrance project co-ordinated by City of York Council, and which schools and youngsters aged 7 – 18 can enter.

Cllr Keith Myers, executive member for education, said: “I’m very pleased that we are able to engage the children and young people of York to help commemorate and honour the men and women who gave their lives to protect our nation.

“Besides being educational and reflective, the poetry competition is a great way to involve young communities with the 100th anniversary of the First World War, and I look forward to reading some of the entries.”

The poem should be an original piece on First World War remembrance.

Submissions are divided into five age categories; children in school Years 3 – 4 and Years 5 – 6; and young people in school Years 7, 8 and 9, years 10 – 11 and Years 12 - 13.

Children’s poems should be no longer than 28 lines, while poems submitted by young people should not exceed 40 lines. Entries can be hand delivered, sent to the York Army Museum by post or emailed to yorkrememberspoetry@gmail.com by 12 noon on Friday 28 September.

Winners will be announced on National Poetry Day, Thursday, October 4, at Explore Acomb Library by York poet, Doreen Gurrey, and will receive a book token and certificate in each category.

Cllr Keith Aspden, Executive member for Economic Development and Community Engagement said:

" York has a deep-rooted connection with the armed forces and it is vital that we, as a city, commemorate the men and women who gave their lives during the First World War and furthermore, pay our respects to those who serve today."

Allison Freeman, activities officer at York Army Museum, said: "We are excited to be hosting the York Remembers poetry competition for children and young people, and looking forward to reading the submitted poems.

"We are especially pleased that York poet, Doreen Gurrey, has agreed to judge this competition commemorating the ending of the First World War."

If any children want to come and look around the museum for inspiration for their poetry, York Army Museum will give the children + 1 accompanying adult free admission if they let the museum know when they arrive at the reception desk.

The email needs to include the child's name, school if applicable, age, and parental contact details so the winners can be contacted.

There will be a reading of the poems on a date to be confirmed in November at the Army Museum where the winners will be presented with their prizes.