A young writer with a talent for poetry has been awarded top marks at a regional wildlife charity event for her poem about chalk streams.

Amelia O’Hara, 15 from Andover won first place in her age category and was awarded a £75 book token at the prizegiving ceremony in Winchester.

Her poem, Sandwiches on the Bank caught the judges eye, and her mother, Toni said her daughter was delighted at the accolade: “Amelia was very surprised to win and really pleased. I am very proud and always knew she has a talent for writing.” 

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Organisers of the competition, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said they wanted to celebrate the ways that rivers inspire the ‘written word’.  Kathryn Boler, Watercress and Winterbournes Partnership Manager, said they weren’t disappointed: “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.”

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

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

This 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.