TALENTED young writers have been recognised at an awards ceremony in memory of a long-time library supporter.

The Friends of Grove Library (FROGS) hosted its first awards presentation for the Brian Edwards Poetry and Prose competition near Wantage last weekend, with some of the entries bringing the judging committee 'to tears'.

Children between Year 2 and 5 could enter with a poem or prose on any topic of their choosing - and Oscar Gerring, Spencer Gerring, Coco Brockbank-Gash and Juliette Francis came out on top.

The inaugural young writer’s competition was staged in honour of FROGS former Chairman and founder, Brian Edwards, who died last year.

The organisation said Mr Edwards worked tirelessly for Grove Library, setting up the Friends group back in 1998 when the library was first under threat of closure, and backing initiatives to help young readers and writers.

In the older, eight to 10 category, one Year 5 class at Charlton Primary School swept the awards, with Juliette Francis winning for her poem 'Spring in the Dark' and Coco Brockbank-Gash taking the runners up prize for poem 'Autumn Again'.

In their comments on the entries, the judges said: "The two poems we selected really stood out, we loved the fact that Juliette cleverly focused on spring in the night time and its secretive nocturnal animals within, it was very atmospheric. Beautifully written.

"We also loved Coco's poem about autumn, it delighted all the senses... the poem had great flow and was full of energy."

In the younger, six to eight category, both the winner, Oscar Gerring, from Abingdon's Unicorn School, and runner-up, Spencer Gerring, from Stockham Primary in Wantage, wrote poems about their Grandad.

The judges explained: "both poems were very beautiful and poignant about the loss of a family member and brought the committee to tears.

"Oscar has dyslexia and has overcome this challenge to create a poem from the heart."

Oscar added that he was 'so happy and proud to receive such a colourful trophy'.

The winners received a coloured plaque and £20 book voucher, while the runners up took home a certificate and £10 voucher.

FROGS has helped raise thousands of pounds towards book stocks and equipment for the library since being set up by Mr Edwards more than 20 years ago.

His wife Brenda donated £550 to the competition, while his granddaughter Leila Edwards presented the prizes.

All of the work is on display in the library until the summer.