Wordsworth-Inspired Winning Poem Presented To Farron

South Lakes MP Tim Farron was presented this week with a framed copy of a poem by Cumbrian student Jacob Currie, who won a prestigious Cumbrian poetry competition judged by descendants of William Wordsworth.

Jacob Currie, a student at Furness Academy, won this year's competition with his poem The Gap in Life. Over 150 entries were submitted for the Rydal Mount Wordsworth Prize, which is open to students across Cumbria and is judged by descendants of William Wordsworth. The theme of the competition this year was 'Mind the Gap', inspired by the aftermath of the floods which hit Cumbria last December and led to the closure of the A591.

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron was presented with a framed copy of the winning poem by William Wordsworth's great-great-great-great-grandson Christopher Wordsworth, who had judged the competition. The poem was presented on Westminster Bridge, where there is a plaque commemorating William Wordsworth's poem Composed Upon Westminster Bridge.

Jacob Currie has also received a £50 cash prize, a personal trophy, and his name will be added to the roll of honour on the plaque at Wordsworth's former home at Rydal Mount near Ambleside. Entrants judged as highly commended in the primary and secondary school categories have received book prizes.

Tim said: "This is a fantastic achievement by Jacob Currie, and my congratulations go to him. It was poetically fitting to receive a framed copy of his poem in this location, drawing together various threads of history and linking it with the present, with the impact of the A591 'gap' in the Lake District a theme for this year's competition. Wordsworth is of course always linked with the Lake District, but the poem was presented to me on the site where Wordsworth's poem Composed Upon Westminster Bridge was written. It is wonderful to think that Wordsworth's legacy continues to inspire young people to explore poetry. My thanks go to all those involved in organising this year's competition, as well as to all those who submitted entries."