A NATIONALLY-acclaimed poet has joined the board of Trustees at a collective based in Whitchurch.

Poetry Whitchurch, which is a registered charity, announced that the poet and novelist Sian Hughes has joined their Trustee Board.

Sian Hughes is a national name in poetry and literature and among her many awards, her first poetry collection, The Missing, won the Seamus Heaney award and was longlisted for The Guardian first book of the year.

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Her recent novel, Pearl, was longlisted for the Booker prize.

Sian said "I am delighted to work with Poetry Whitchurch who are doing so much to bring poetry to life in our area, with wonderful opportunities for all ages to get involved as readers, writers and performers.

“Look out for our next adventures in poetry at readings, slams, book launches and workshops around Whitchurch.”

Poetry Whitchurch chairman Harvey Vasey said the appointment of Sian is a coup for the charity.

He said: "Sian brings phenomenal creative talent and terrific expertise in running really significant arts programmes.

“We are absolutely delighted she is joining us and we all can't wait to work together.”

The organisation runs monthly poetry open mics, seminars, discussion groups, poetry development groups, workshops and slams for the benefit of local people.

Poetry Whitchurch also works with young people and has established a partnership with the world-leading creative arts organisation The Arvon Foundation, which has started to provide creative opportunities for young people in the area.

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The charity is looking for two further Trustees and a range of other volunteer positions.

They would love to hear from any interested people with relevant skills and a love of poetry.

More details can be found at www.poetrywhitchurch.com