YOUNG budding poets will have a chance to read out their work on stage at The Owl and the Pussycat West to See panto at Bolton's Octagon in a competition run by the theatre in conjunction with the Bolton Evening News.

The Octagon is inviting youngsters aged between five and 12 to enter a poetry competition by writing a nonsense poem -- you can use drawings if you like.

There are two age groups, five to eight years, and nine to 12 years.

Some of the best poems will be printed in the BEN and exhibited in the theatre, and the final winners will receive prizes and get the chance to read their poem on stage.

Deadline for entries is Friday, January 5, 2001. Send you entries to: Nonsense Poems, Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB.