A BUDDING Cotswolds writer has been chosen out of 6,000 entries as a finalist in a country-wide poetry competition.

Amelia Nashe, 22, from Chedworth has been shortlisted in the first Waitrose Year of Poetry competition.

Judged by renowned poet Roger McGough, the competition received more than 6,000 entries from all over the country.

Exeter University graduate Amelia was picked with 23 others as a finalist, with her poem 'Her Royal Highness of Fruit', which is being displayed with Roger's poems in her local Cirencester Waitrose store.

Amelia, who studied English with drama at university was inspired by the competition.

"I’d definitely like to do something with writing," she said. "I’m hoping to train first as a proof-reader and get into journalism or writing screenplays for TV. I do love creative writing."

Poet Roger McGough said that poetry had always been popular yet people are rarely given the opportunity to express it.

"Thanks must go to Waitrose for flying the verse flag," he said.

Waitrose launched The Year of Poetry Campaign in a bid to inspire people of all ages to get involved with poetry by encouraging them to try writing a poem for themselves.

The 24 shortlisted entries are currently being whittled down for Waitrose by Roger to decide on the top three poems. The final winners will be announced on National Poetry Day, on October 2.

See below for Amelia's full poem.

‘Her Royal Highness of Fruit’

“I’ll have you know I’m the Queen

Of British summertime

I play for the All England Club

I’m told I’m quite sublime

Best wrapped in Royal Robes

Of double cream bliss

With trim of sugar jewels.

Come here for your Royal Kiss!”