CHILDREN’S poet Ian Bland inspired young people to write and perform as he helped them develop a love of rhyme.

He visited Markland Hill Primary School to speak to children about poetry shortly after National Poetry Day.

Nicola Ewens, literacy co-ordinator, said: “We wanted children to recite poetry, become engaged with it.

“The parents came to listen to hear the children read the poetry and the feedback we got from them was really positive, they said there was a real buzz.”

Ian added: “The children’s poetry was original and they gave a great performance.

“They had some good ideas, in 14 years of writing poetry I have never rhymed skirt and dessert.”