BUDDING poets in West Devon are celebrating after the winners of the St George's Day Poetry Competition were announced. A competition was held for school children in and around Okehampton to write a poem on the subject of 'Why I like England'. Organiser Derek Godfrey-Brown said: 'The overall standard was a huge improvement on last year. There were a lot of lovely poems and more original ideas. 'Those children not in the prize money should not be disappointed because with four judges we had to go with the majority verdict — quite often individual judges made a pitch to no avail! 'Well done to all the schools and individuals who made the effort to take part.' The overall winner was Shona Eustace, from Exbourne Primary School, who won a new bike for her poem. South Tawton won the best overall school and was awarded £100, while second overall school Boasley Cross received a new animal hutch. In total, close to £500 worth of prizes were handed out, with the top five poems from class A, for years 3 and 4, and class B, years 5 and 6, all winning a cash prize. Mr Godfrey-Brown added: 'I would like to publicly thank the sponsors who so generously supported this competition. They are the EX20 Lottery, West Devon Borough Council, Okehampton Town Council, Balsdon Vehicle Services, Bradleys, Okehampton Glass, Georgian Windows, Francis Luxton, Hatherleigh Rotary Club and Peter Green.' Shona Eustace's winning entry: 'Why I Like England':

Oh I like England a nice place to belong, All is peaceful nothing is wrong. The best thing of England is the seasons, Here are some of my reasons. The lush green grass and bright blue sky, Flowers in the meadow, birds flying high. A very slight gentle summer breeze, Some very busy buzzing bees. The crackling bonfire on fireworks night, The sparkling colours, well what a sight! Smoke in the sky from the chimney below, Snowflakes are falling, it's starting to snow. You can go to the beach or watch rivers flow, Crunch up the leaves or see the lambs grow. Winters, summer, autumns, springs, Each one such exciting things. Oh I love England a nice place to belong, All is peaceful, nothing is wrong.