Last updated 19:45, Thursday, 23 October 2008

COCKERMOUTH Schools’ poetry and science evening was so successful that a writers’ group has offered to sponsor its pupils in a competition.

Cockermouth writers’ group SLATE has indicated that it would support a poetry competition, after more than 80 people attended the event.

Hearing the World was held in the Eco Centre at the Castle Drive school on Monday.

Pupils were joined by the president of the Poetry Society, Jo Shapcott, and Professor Robert Crawford, author and poet from St Andrew’s University.

They gave talks to students about the link between science and the arts and each read their poems.

On a Bat’s Wing, by Cockermouth poet Michael Baron, was read by sixth formers Harriet Wilson and Sam Hetherington.

The event was organised by Cockermouth School Association and Cockermouth Café Scientifique to celebrate poetry and science.

Headteacher Stuart Reeves said: “It’s wonderful that SLATE have said they will support a future poetry event for our children.

“This event has been really stimulating and thought provoking.

“It’s crucial for our students to see the links between subjects and events like this.

“One way to improve the writing skills of our students is for them to be given the confidence to play around with language in such a way as to engage the reader.”

Dr Ann Lackie, who runs the Cockermouth Café Scientifique, is hoping to inspire young students even further by opening a Junior Café Scientifique.

The after-school club will be open for young students and staff at the school.