Cumbria's Norman Nicholson Society is running a competition to find the best lockdown poems.

It is inspired by the poets own 'locked down' experience, when he was confined while he recovered from tuberculosis.

The society would like to hear from anyone that is moved to write a poem from experiences or inspirational moments during their coronavirus lockdown time.

There are two categories, one for adults and one for under 18s.

Winners will receive a specially engraved trophy, the official biography of Nicholson, and a copy of Nicholson’s ‘Selected Poems 1940-1982’ – plus publication of work on the Society’s website.

Poems must not be more than 40 lines in length and must not have previously been published. For more information on the terms and conditions and for entries go to: www.normannicholson.org entries must be in by September 1.

Entries will be judged by fellow of the Royal Literary Fund and vice-president of the Norman Nicholson Society Kathleen Jones.

Chair of the Norman Nicholson Society Charlie Lambert said: "These last few weeks have been a unique period in the lives of all of us.

"Many have suffered terrible distress, all have seen uplifting examples of heroism and determination. We have been reassessing old values and priorities.

"Some of us now have a closer understanding of what life was like for Norman Nicholson, stuck in his solitary room in a sanatorium for over a year.

"Whatever the lockdown has done for you, if you have a poem please share it with us. We will publish not just the winning entries but all commended poems, and we may go on to produce a book of these lockdown poems as well".