A GROUP of budding young poets got the chance to sharpen up their writing skills when three professional bards visited their school.

Poets Aoife Mannix, Malika Booker and Joe Coelho entertained year seven youngsters - and several members of staff - at Wanstead High School with a memorable live recital.

The scribes also passed on a few tricks of their trade to the children during a series of workshops.

Tracey Phillipson, arts co-ordinator at the school, in Redbridge Lane West, said the performance was enjoyed by everyone involved.

She said: "Their work was extremely well received with around 50 students giving up their lunchtimes to see the poets perform.

"Additionally they each led three workshops, working with 84 kids, talking about poetry and helping them to develop and write their own poetry skills.

"Prior to the poets’ visits we also got a chance to hear from students as they spent a lunchtime in the library reading out their own compositions, all of which were very well received.

"It was a great opportunity to really see what talented writers we have in our midst, and hopefully some poetry stars of the future."