Budding young wordsmiths from four north Norfolk primary schools had a chance to share the stage with two top poets, at an inter-school poetry slam held at Sheringham Little Theatre to celebrate the end of a three-month project run by children's arts organisation Falcon.

Eastern Daily Press: Roughton St Mary's Primary pupil Willow with her team's prize for most original idea at an inter-school poetry slam held at Sheringham Little Theatre. Picture: KAREN BETHELLRoughton St Mary's Primary pupil Willow with her team's prize for most original idea at an inter-school poetry slam held at Sheringham Little Theatre. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The event, which saw dozens of pupils perform self-penned work in front of a panel of judges, was the culmination a scheme funded by Falcon and Holt Festival, with contributions from the schools taking part.

The project kicked off in in May, when Norwich-based poet and scriptwriter Molly Naylor began running workshops at Holt, Langham, Roughton and Sheringham primary schools.

Eastern Daily Press: Poet and scriptwriter Molly Naylor with Roughton St Mary's Primary pupil Doug, who won the individual prize for consistency at an inter-school poetry slam held at Sheringham Little Theatre. Picture: KAREN BETHELLPoet and scriptwriter Molly Naylor with Roughton St Mary's Primary pupil Doug, who won the individual prize for consistency at an inter-school poetry slam held at Sheringham Little Theatre. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Youngsters were given tips on writing poetry, with Ms Naylor encouraging them to work towards developing and performing their own piece of original work.

Their efforts were showcased at the theatre in front of a judging panel made up of Little Theatre director Debbie Thompson, north Norfolk community librarian Alan Leventhall, David Bull, of Holt Festival, and Falcon chairman Phil Barrett.

Eastern Daily Press: Sheringham Primary School poets Summer, Emma Kylie and Millie with ther prizes at an inter-school poetry slam held at Sheringham Little Theatre. Picture: KAREN BETHELLSheringham Primary School poets Summer, Emma Kylie and Millie with ther prizes at an inter-school poetry slam held at Sheringham Little Theatre. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

After watching a performance by acclaimed Norwich-based poet Luke Wright, the youngsters were presented with books and chocolates by former Holt Primary School head teacher Beryl Knowles, who is a Falcon committee member, and Ms Naylor, whose writing credits include co-creating the Sky One sitcom After Hours and penning the autobiographical show Whenever I Get Blown Up I Think of You, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival before going on to be adapted for BBC Radio 4.

The top prize went to Sheringham Primary School pupils, who also won the highest scoring team award.

Eastern Daily Press: Sheringham Primary pupil Joe accepts the top prize for his school at an inter-school poetry slam held at Sheringham Little Theatre. Picture: KAREN BETHELLSheringham Primary pupil Joe accepts the top prize for his school at an inter-school poetry slam held at Sheringham Little Theatre. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Best writing went to Langham pupils, with best performance going to Holt Primary and Roughton youngsters bagging the most original idea award.

Mr Barrett, who set up Falcon with a team of artists and writers in 2012, said the idea of the scheme was to encourage aspiration and pride, along with a sense of enjoyment and celebration.

Eastern Daily Press: Kiera from Langham Primary with her prize for excellence at an inter-school poetry slam held at Sheringham Little Theatre. Picture: KAREN BETHELLKiera from Langham Primary with her prize for excellence at an inter-school poetry slam held at Sheringham Little Theatre. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

He added: 'We have been amazed at the high standard of work and we are very grateful to Molly, who made the whole process easy and put in over and beyond what we expected.'