WIRRAL’S annual celebration of poetry in memory of a Calday Grange Grammar School student whose life was tragically cut short by illness gets underway this week.

The Chris Salmon Poetry Extravaganza was set up in tribute to the poetry-loving pupil, who died from a rare streptococcal infection in February, 2009, aged just 15.

The competition has gone from strength to strength, attracting more than 850 entries last year, and  organisers say they are hoping to surpass that record-breaker in 2015.

The theme of this year'’s competition is "Light".

Chris’s mother Julie said: “We are absolutely delighted how much the popularity of the competition has grown, with entrants ranging from the age of five to 90.

"We hope the number of entrants for the 2015 competition will surpass even last year’s record amount.

"We are so grateful for the magnificent support we receive from Wirral Council’s library service as without their support the poetry extravaganza would not exist. “

Councillor Chris Meaden, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: “Last year’s competition saw hundreds of adults and young people send in their poetry.

"I know the judges had a really difficult decision to make because of the high standards that were set, and this year will be no different.

“It’s always a pleasure to be able to celebrate Chris’s life, and the impact his memory and legacy continues to have on Wirral, thanks to the Salmon family.”

Poems will be judged in four age categories; Eleven and under, 11-to-16, 16-to-18 and adults.

Entrants must live in Wirral or attend a school or college in the area. The poem should be no longer than 30 lines.

Entries must be on or attached to an official entry form and submitted by email to dianemitchell@wirral.gov.uk, or in an envelope to Birkenhead Library marked for the attention of Diane Mitchell.

Winners will be invited to read their poems at a presentation night on March 2, 2015, at Bromborough Civic Centre. They will also be invited to attend a poetry workshop with a renowned local poet.

The closing date for applications is January 15. Entry is free and there are cash prizes for all winners.