Sixteen young poets have been recognised by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

The youngsters were named as prize winners in the Tales from the Riverbank poetry competition.

The competition asked seven to 18-year-olds to get inspired by chalk streams, and the talent hasn't gone unnoticed.

The winners, from communities including Andover, Whitchurch and Alresford, were celebrated at a prize-giving ceremony in Winchester.

They received certificates and book tokens worth between £10 and £75.

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The young poets were also gifted copies of a new anthology which showcased their work (Image: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust) The winners are Amber McClelland Morris, Amelia O’Hara, Angelina Ayres, Eden Baker, Edward Nethercott, Emily Leighton, Emmeline Fryer, Freya Carmel Griffiths, Georgia Marriner, Isla Press, Izzy Reeves, Mabel Martin, Penny Carter, Ralph Nethercott, Rio Dominguez, and Safiya Husain.

Author and storyteller Amanda Kane-Smith attended the event, along with staff from Hampshire libraries who had served as competition judges.

The young poets were also gifted copies of a new anthology, Chalk Stream Poems by Young Writers.

The book showcases their writing alongside illustrations by Rachel Hudson and a foreword by award-winning author Amy-Jane Beer.

A digital version of the anthology is available to view on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust website.

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The competition is part of the Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme, which is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The scheme aims to protect, enhance and celebrate seven Hampshire chalk streams.

Kathryn Boler, Watercress and Winterbournes partnership manager, said: "We were so impressed by the imagination of the young people who entered our competition.

"Our winners created poems that are funny, poignant and brimming with vibrant imagery.

"We are delighted to celebrate their achievements and share their fantastic work for everyone to enjoy."

The partnership, led by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Wessex River Trust, comprises 15 organisations.

The scheme's objective is to safeguard and honour the significance of the Hampshire chalk streams.

The competition is part of this larger initiative, encouraging young people to engage with the natural world around them.

The poetry competition is a creative and inspirational way of getting young people involved in the scheme.

The event not only celebrated the talent of these young poets but also highlighted the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the chalk streams.

For more information, visit hiwwt.org.uk/winterbournes.