A Bridport resident has been shortlisted in the first Waitrose Year of Poetry competition. 
The competition, judged by renowned poet Roger McGough, received over 6,000 entries from across the country. Cedric Harris’ poem, ‘Pears’, is one of 24 works to make the shortlist and has joined Roger’s poems to be displayed in his local Waitrose branch. The retired air conditioning engineer said it was nice so many amateur poets were being recognised. "It’s surprising how many people you find who do what I’m doing,” said the 77-year old. “To think they’re getting noticed publicly is quite a fillip for all concerned.”
Poet, Roger McGough, said about the competition: “Poetry has always been popular, it’s just that people are rarely given the opportunity to express it."
The 24 shortlisted entries are currently being whittled down for Waitrose by Roger to decide on the top three poems. The final winners will be announced on National Poetry Day on October 2.