CREATIVE juices have been flowing across the Black Country as people put pen to paper for a poetry competition.

The annual competition, run by the Black Country Living Museum, was based on the theme of conflict and contemplation.

The winning entry, titled The Taste of War, was written by Gaynor Beesley, from Bridgnorth.

Mel Weatherley, head of learning at the museum, said: “The quality of the entries this year has been extremely high, but all three judges were impressed by the lyrical beauty of Gaynor’s poem, and the clever and evocative use of language.”

The 51-year-old, who won a prize of £100 along with a family ticket to the museum, said: “As most aspiring writers and poets, I’ve always dreamed about receiving some form of recognition for my writing, but you don’t think it will necessarily ever happen.

“Winning the competition was a complete shock, but it feels great to have won and it has given me more confidence in writing out of my comfort zone.”

The poem is available to view on the museum’s website www.bclm.co.uk/learning/annual-prize-poetry-competition/457.htm.