TWO schoolgirls are to have their poems recorded on a CD after winning a prestigious poetry in song competition.

Bury Grammar School pupils Laura Hoath and Lucie Shaw -- who are both ten years old -- have won the first annual Walking Oliver/Times Educational Supplement Poetry in Song Competition.

Laura impressed judges with her poem, The Bus that has no Sheep In, about the absurdity of dreams while Lucie wrote Split (You've Fractured My Heart) about the pain a child can feel over a break up between parents.

They are among 15 winners chosen from more than 1,300 entries received from primary school aged children from all over the UK.

They will have their poem used as the lyrics for an original song composed, arranged and recorded by classical tenor Paul Austin Kelly and guitarist composer Richard Durrant.

Laura and Lucie's songs, and those of the other 14 winners will be released on CD as part of the Walking Oliver catalogue.

Paul Austin Kelly said: "Laura's poem was a clear judge's favourite. It's a wonderful combination of unusual images and sharp, concise writing."

He added that Lucie's poem was arguably the most painful of the bunch.

He said: "It's about the raw pain and anger a kid can feel over the break up of her parents, especially when the split is left to fester when, as is so common, unkind words have been flung about."

The CD including the girls' songs on is now in production and they will be presented with their copies in the autumn.

The CD will be on sale to the general public through schools, and as part of the Walking Oliver catalogue through the WO official website www.walkingoliver.com.