A TALENTED 11-year-old writer will see her poem published after being shortlisted in a national schools competition.

Maisie Smith, from Great Sankey, was asked by her English student to write a poem to be considered for this year's Young Writers' competition – Poetry Escape.

The competition runs in conjunction with secondary schools across the country to encourage young adults to read, write and enjoy poetry.

With more than 8,000 entries, judges had a tough time shortlisting the best poems to be featured in Poetry Escape – North West.

Vanessa Smith, Maisie's proud mum, received a letter at the start of the year to congratulate the youngster on making the publication with her poem The Night-Time.

Individual prizes will also be awarded for the judges' favourite poems and this prize money will go to the students' schools.

Vanessa said: "Maisie is extremely pleased and is hoping she wins best poem for the school.

"This is now pushing her to write more."