Two budding Bards have won a host of prizes by penning verses about their love of Colchester.

Staff at the Tourist Information Centre, in Queen Street, Colchester, launched the competition two weeks ago and received more than 20 entries.

The winner of the adult category was Colleen Biggins, of Prettygate, Colchester, and the winner of the children's category was James Warren, seven, of Lexden.

The entries were judged by poet, musician and songwriter, Martin Newell, of Wivenhoe, and Jill Wicks, assistant visitor services officer at the centre.

Colleen received tickets to the Mercury Theatre and a range of Colchester Collection giftware from the centre.

James will received free tickets to Colchester Castle Museum, Leisure World and Colchester Zoo as well as an official adoption of Angel, a penguin at Colchester Zoo with heart shaped markings on his chest.