Talented young bards rose to the challenge for an Olympics-inspired poetry competition.

Children from schools in and around Hethersett were given the challenge of writing a poem based on one or more of the values of the Olympics, such as friendship, respect, courage, equality, inspiration, excellence and determination.

Winning entries came from Hethersett High School, Woodside Infant and Nursery School and Little Melton Primary School and awards were presented at Hethersett Library on Friday.

Lorraine Gill, school librarian, said the idea for the name of the competition – Light the Fire Within – came about because of the Olympic torch visiting the village in July.

'The theme refers to the fire of poetry, inspiration and the emotions, and of course the Olympic torch. The poems didn't have to be about the Olympics, but had to be inspired by one of its values – using them as a starting point,' she said.

'It was wonderful to read the children's poems – they really were fantastic. The standard of all the entries was very high indeed.'

The winners were: Key stage 1 – Alfie Baker, Oliver Battley and Isabelle Benton (gold); Emily Anderson, Shelby Swan and Milly Bambridge (silver). KS2 – Kate Runeckels (gold); Samuel Fisk (silver); Monty Willetts (highly commended). KS3 – Neave Kirkham (gold); Euan Thomson (silver); Dan Kemp (highly commended). KS4 – Nadine Gage (gold).

The poems are on display in the library.