Budding poet Eloise's poem rolled out across the UK

BUDDING wordsmith Eloise McIntyre looks set to have a bright future as a writer after having one of her poems published - aged just five!

The pint-sized youngster from the Castlehill area of Ballymoney is a pupil at Ballytober Primary School.

The school was one of several in the area whose pupils entered a UK-wide competition which required them to submit poems for consideration in a book entitled 'If I Could Be...'

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Little Eloise - who was only four when she wrote the poem - got to work straight away, penning her piece on how she would like to be a fairy.

And the judges were so impressed they selected her poem for the book.

In a letter to the family, the editor of the book wrote:

"Recently Eloise's school Ballytober Primary School submitted some of their pupils' poems for My First Poem's If I Could Be...competition, providing an exciting introduction to poetry that children find both inspiring and fun.

"At such a young age we do not expect accomplished poems and therefore supplied templates tailored to compliment Early Years Foundation Stage objectives for the children to fill in.

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"They had the choice of 10 different templates to choose from all based around the theme of If I Could Be...By completing the template children were given the opportunity to explore the ideas of real and imaginary vocations whilst developing their literacy skills.

"I am therefore delighted to let you know that Eloise's poem, If I Could Be a Fairy, has been chosen for publication in If I Could Be..."

She added: "I'd like to close by congratulating Eloise, and hope that this achievement will encourage confident participation in further creative writing."

Proud mum Arlene said: "The competition would have been about two months ago now but the book has just been printed.

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"We were thrilled when we got a letter from the publishers saying Eloise's poem was going to be included.

"We didn't give her any help with it, she had to fill in words here and there and did it by herself.

"She is quite an imaginative, creative little girl."

As soon as the book hit the shelves, Arlene rushed out to bag a copy and Eloise has been showing friends and family her handiwork since.

The poetry book is produced by Young Writers, part of the parent company called Forward Press Ltd; the largest publisher of new poetry in the world.

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By running annual, nationwide competitions for the past 19 years, Young Writers has promoted poetry and creative writing within schools.

Young Writers showcase the work of today's school children. The imagination, energy and creativity which go into each Young Writers publication, make reading them hugely regarding.

To mark her achievement, Eloise received a special certificate and bookmark. The book is now available throughout the UK.