Two pupils from South Walney Junior School have accepted a national award for poetry in front of literary greats.

Max Fullard and Ellie Jeffrey were presented with the Poetry by Heart Special Contribution Award at the Globe Theatre in London.

They gave an acceptance speech about the power of poetry in front of a packed audience including UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and outgoing Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho as well as winners from other schools across the country.

The award recognises the school’s work over the past three years to increase the profile of poetry at the school in an inclusive way through after-school clubs and competitions.

South Walney Junior School Deputy Headteacher Michelle Banks, who went with them, said it had been an amazing experience and the school was very proud of them.

“Their award was presented last so they had to listen to the other winners and wait until the end to speak in front of hundreds of people, which must have been nerve-racking.

“They spoke really eloquently and from the heart about poetry, what it means to them and what we have done as a school,” she said.

Ellie Jeffrey said writing and performing poetry had taught her resilience, given her confidence and boosted her self-esteem.

“Receiving the award from Poetry by Heart at the Globe and being involved in the project has been a truly life-changing experience,” she said.

“Planting my feed on the Globe stage and looking at the audience was exhilarating and if I could go back again I would.

“My mindset has changed because of this amazing opportunity to be involved in Poetry by Heart.”

She thanked her teachers for the giving her the opportunity describing it as ‘perfect’,

As part of the visit to London they also enjoyed a performance of Much Ado About Nothing in the Globe Theatre, which Mrs Banks said was an experience they all loved.

South Walney Junior School is part of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust.