POETIC pupils’ prose will be inscribed on benches in Cumbria as part of a regeneration project.

GCSE English pupils from St Benedict’s School, Whitehaven recently worked with poet Emma McGordon to create a piece which will be engraved on the backs of new benches in the town.

As part of the Whitehaven Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), trees, a wall, an information board and the benches are being installed at the plaza on the corner of James Street and Irish Street.

Whitehaven THI officer Jane Taylor discussed with the pupils the history of the Old Town area of Whitehaven.

They heard how Pow Beck, which now runs underneath the plaza, used to run openly down what is now James Street and the Market Place.

The pupils also learned how horses pulled iron ore wagons along rails to the harbour and about the many industries that were located on the site where Albion Square now stands.

Emma worked with the pupils to produce their ideas, then took them away to incorporate into her poem.

The class teacher Theresa Bishop said: “Our students really enjoyed the workshop. They were interested and engaged in discovering more about the local history and heritage of Whitehaven.

“This led to some insightful and perceptive discussions, and creative poetic responses. It was particularly enlightening for the students to work with Emma, as a local poet. We look forward to seeing the benches after their installation.”

Emma McGordon added: “The students at St Benedict’s were genuinely interested in creating something lasting and I’ve incorporated their ideas into the final piece.”

Copeland’s heritage Champion, councillor Michael McVeigh, said: “The whole of the THI has been fantastic for this part of town and this is just the next step. The changes will be very attractive and the fact that local children have been involved in creating something evocative and lasting is wonderful.”