POWERFUL pieces of writing penned by young people to raise awareness of the homeless were celebrated at a special award ceremony.

Bolton Sixth Form College held the SHARE — Students Homelessness Awareness Raising Enterprise — Flash Fiction 50 Creative Writing Awards in support of the college’s Rucksacks and Handbags appeal, in which essential items are placed in the bags and distributed to those living on the streets.

More than100 poems were submitted by GCSE English students across Bolton with the winning writers celebrated at the event together with those who have help drive forward the appeal, which was started before Christmas and will run throughout this month and next. Those promoting SHARE were also recognised for their work.

Jake Kirkman, co-founder of SHARE and former college student, said: “This event was held to celebrate the campaign and award students. The Rucksacks and Handbags campaign is still running at Bolton Sixth Form College with donations now going to Homeless Aid UK.”

Guest speakers included Billy Higham, SHARE Community Champion, Ian Mc Hugh, chairman of Bolton City of Sanctuary and Julia Simpkins from Coats4Calais.

The sixth form’s work with homeless charities started after competition to use the power of writing to educate people about the issue was launched and a book was published and launched by Dave Spikey.

To read the winning poems visit www.bolton-sfc.ac.uk/college-news/share-flash-fiction-50-creative-writing-awards/ and https://www.sharebolton.co.uk/