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An article in his local paper has earned Stephen Holden £1,000 and a national title.
" My sister saw a story about a free poetry competition and mentioned it to me " explained Stephen of Preston.
Stephen has only been writing poetry for two years. "I've submitted work for competitions where it costs about £15 to send three poems," he said. "So when I saw that I could submit three poems for absolutely nothing, I just had to have a go. I knew I had nothing to lose and £1,000 to gain."
Stephen (56), a worker at BAE Systems near Preston, is the £1,000 first prize winner in the biggest annual free to enter national poetry competition there has ever been.
Tens of thousands of poems were entered for this UK-wide annual competition which began in 1998, aimed at unearthing new poetry talent. Stephen received the cash prize of £1,000 plus a magnificent trophy to keep for life.
"I'm delighted at this success, " said Stephen, who has been wheelchair-bound with multiple sclerosis for many years.
Out of all the entries that are submitted every year over 250 are picked to represent different regions in the UK and all are printed in the annual National Poetry Anthology. Each author receives a free copy of the book and votes for the best poem in it. "To be chosen as the winner by so many excellent poets is a wonderful experience, " added Stephen
Stephen is an avid Preston North End FC fan. He is married to Linda and they have one son, David.
"Stephen's prizewinning poem On The Slate Worked Hill, is an evocative study of life in a mining town, "said United Press Managing Director Peter Quinn, who made the presentation.
You can read Stephen’s winning poem below:
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