DEVON Community Foundation will be celebrating Valentine's Day  by challenging pupils and students across West Devon and the county to write a 'love poem' to Devon. 

The 'I love Devon' poetry competition has been designed by the charity to find out just what people love most about the county and why they think it's such a special place to live.

Groups recently supported with grants from Devon Community Foundation in West Devon include Tavistock Carers Support Group and Exbourne and Jacobstowe Community Shop.

Devon poet Rose Cook will judge the competition and guide entrants on what they should be aiming for in a winning entry.

Rose said: 'Poems can be as short or long as you like, but need to show vivid description, clear energy and have a clear beginning and end — and possibly an element of surprise.'

The competition costs just £1 to enter and all money raised will be matched by the charity Devon Community Foundation as part of its Grassroots Challenge initiative to secure an extra £1.25-million from the government to support voluntary and community groups helping local people in need across Devon.

There are four age categories ranging from under 10 to over 25 and entrants in each of the four age categories will have their poems illustrated and published in an anthology of 'I Love Devon' poems.

All pupils or students who would like to enter should ask at their place of education (which have received information) or alternatively schools who want to join in should contact Sarah Yelland on [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01884 235887. Closing date for entries is Valentine's Day, February 14.