Writer Robert Lidster has had a poem published...in Waitrose.

Mr Lidster, 56, from Thorpe, has been named runner-up in the supermarket’s annual poetry contest.

His poem is called the Cauliflower and is on the shelves in stores.

It can be read by customers browsing the fruit and veg aisle, including in the store in St Andrew’s Avenue, Colchester.

The poems were judged by Roger McGough.

Mr Lidster said: “Out of more than 6,000 entries, my poem was judged to be one of the best 24 submitted.

“Although it was not the overall winner, as one of the top 24, I have received a signed copy of It Never Rains by Roger Mcgough.

“Although disappointed I did not win, I am delighted to have made the shortlist.”

Mr Lidster has written four books, including In My Father’s Footsteps, and has his own travel blog.

An Ode To Cauliflower

A strange flower is the cauliflower,

I’ve yet to see one bloom,

It’s not the sort of flower,

To decorate a room,

No fragant scent to smell,

Or coloured petals that please,

But it’s the only type of flower,

That’s delicious to eat with cheese.