A school girl from Horwich has won a national poetry competition and will get the chance to meet her favourite author.

Eight-year-old Seattle Liderth, a year three pupil at Chorley Road Primary School, entered the competition run by award winning children's author Christina Gabbitas.

A panel of over 20 judges selected her eight line poem about wildlife and nature, from over a hundred entries across England.

As part of her prize, Seattle will receive a selection of books, a book token and a visit from Christina at her school.

Christina set up the competition seven years ago to give children from all backgrounds, abilities and cultures an opportunity to express themselves with poetry.

Christina said: "She's expressed herself incredibly well, it's quite an art to write an eight line poem, she's done exceptionally well to be selected out of hundreds of entries across England.

"I'm from Blackburn and it's nice to have winner local to the area where I come from.

"I was never a prolific reader but loved to read rhyming poetry whilst at primary school, this encouraged me to read and write more.

"Seattle has brilliantly depicted wildlife and nature in just eight lines and should be very proud of her work.

"She will receive a copy of her poem on canvas, illustrated by artist Ursula Hurst, which will be a lovely momento for her."

Seattle's mum Dawn said that her daughter has been beaming ever since she find out she had won.

Dawn said: "Her teacher at school has really brought out the best in Seattle, he;s helped her realise what she can do with English and poetry.

"When your child wins something like this you realise how much work they actually do at school, I'm so proud of her.

"She's got a huge smile on her face."

Seattle's teacher, Mr Robinson, said: "What an absolutely lovely poem that truly represents her growth in confidence over this year.

"Seattle is a credit to the school and her family. She should be extremely proud of her achievement and I hope she continues to write such beautiful words in the future."