Catherine Whittaker from Claverdon was crowned laureate at the offical launch of the Warwick Words festival of literature last week.

She takes on the honorary role from Jane Holland and won the contest with a decision based on the strenght of four of her poems.

She said: "I'm delighted to be chosen and look forward to promoting the writing and enjoyment of poetry in Warwickshire."

Runners up were Fran Hill and Judith Ratcliffe from Warwick. Catherine will be commissioned to write poetry about the area during the year.

This is one of her winning poems:

WEARING WELL

Do you remember
that fancy dress party,
20's style?
You wore a boater
striped jacket,
white linen trousers
from the shop in town.
I chose a silver strap dress
shimmered like diamonds
and a glossy bag to match.
It was a great party.
We jived into the morning,
called a taxi.
Long ride home though,
queasy, couldn't stop in time.
Politely you held out your boater.
Next morning we sprinkled
it with disinfectant,
prayed over it,
took it back, dented.
The man in the shop sniffed
delicately, half-smiled,
from under the counter
he lifted a pink spray can,
lavender I think,
pressed the nozzle
'that'll do it' he said,
then placed the hat
ceremoniously,
on the very top shelf.