ASPIRING young wordsmiths from a school in Welwyn Hatfield are polishing up on their public speaking skills – ahead of an inaugural literary competition today (Saturday).

The first ever WGC Festival of Words takes place this Saturday, with more than 70 children taking part in the competition being held at Free Church in Church Road.

And the majority of entrants have come from Sherrardswood School in Lockleys, Welwyn, where 45 children of different ages put their names forward for a series of different classes.

English teacher Pippa Sutcliffe said: “It’s a great privilege for Sherrardswood School to have been invited to participate in the first ever Festival of Words in WGC. We are very excited to have so many pupils involved and to be able to support the local community in this literary event.”

The festival will kick off at 10am with a verse speaking competition for children aged seven and under, before the winners of a writing competition are announced at 1pm.

The 7th WGC Guides will give a demonstration of choral speaking, before more prose reading and verse speaking. The event finishes at 4pm.

Festival founder and chairman Jean Hughes said: “I am delighted about the positive response to this very first festival of words.

“I am lucky to have found friends and volunteers who have helped make my ambition happen and here it is – our first festival.”

Entry for audience members on Saturday is free, and programmes cost �1. For more information, call Jean Hughes on 01707 267959 or email jean@fmkock.com