THE 2018 Charles Causley International Poetry Competition is now open for entries.

The competition will be judged by the patron of the Charles Causley Trust, Sir Andrew Motion.

When asked what he will be looking for in the winning entries, he said: “I’m looking for poems that surprise me — not by their ostentation, but by making me see, think, remember, recover things I’ve forgotten I already know.”

The closing date for the competition is Monday, November 5 and the winners will be announced in the New Year.

The 1st prizewinner will receive £2,000 plus a one week writing residency at Cyprus Well, Charles Causley’s former home in Launceston.

The 2nd prizewinner will receive £250 and the third prizewinner will receive £100.

Five Highly Commended poets whose work shows particular promise will each receive £30.

Entries will be shortlisted by an expert panel with the final decision being made by Sir Andrew Motion.