WHEN Charlotte Morris wanted to pen a present for Will and Kate, she looked to Victorian poet Alfred Noyes for inspiration.

It was his poem, The Highwayman — reckoned to be one of the finest poems for oral delivery — that inspired the primary school pupil to craft her verse, A Royal Wedding.

And it certainly paid off, as Charlotte landed first prize in a Bolton FM contest and was able to read her entry live on air.

The winning poem will also be sent to the recently married Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The Blackrod School Year Five pupil said: “I thought of the style of my poem from another poem called The Highwayman, written by Alfred Noyes, which I learned about earlier this year, and I also researched a number of facts to write about in my poem.

“I am extremely excited about William and Kate reading it and I hope they enjoy it.”

Charlotte, aged 10, who lives with her family in Horwich, was one of many children throughout the borough to enter a Bolton FM poetry competition.

Charlotte’s poem was put forward to represent the school’s effort.

Listeners then voted for their favourite after they were read out, and Charlotte’s was the winner.

Charlotte’s poem has been recorded on to a CD and sent to the now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as a wedding gift.

Charlotte said: “I very much enjoyed reading my poem out on air and did not really feel nervous at all and the radio DJ made me feel comfortable in reading my poem.”

Headteacher Ian Dryburgh said: “Everyone in school is delighted Charlotte’s poem was successful. All the children are excited that it is to be sent to the royal couple.”

Read Charlotte’s poem at theboltonnews.

co.uk