POETRY was in motion when talented school children took to the stage for a dramatic literacy contest.

Slam It, at Greenfield Community College, in Newton Aycliffe, was the culmination of a two-week performance poetry project that challenged teams of youngsters to compose poems on the theme of conflict and resolution.

At the grand finale today (Friday, December 6), the children performed their poems in front of their classmates, incorporating dance and movement to emphasise their words.

Bullying, friendship, war and domestic violence were among the issues the youngsters tackled in their poetry.

All year eight pupils at Greenfield Community College, as well as year six children at nearby Chilton Primary School, were involved in the competition, which was supported by the experienced performance poet Kate Fox.

Ms Fox delighted children with her lively and amusing poems and was full of praise for the aspiring poets.

“The standard I have seen today is so high,” she said. “It is so exciting to see.”

Shirley Douglas, an English teacher at Greenfield who organised the competition, said she was very proud of the children.

“The quality of the poetry they have produced is very high and what is particularly good about this project is that it involves children of all abilities,” she said.

“We find it boosts literacy skills and confidence a great deal.”