If you thought all modern poets wrote in obscure, irregular sentences that neither rhymed nor scanned, think again.

Wendy Cope has been described as a "jet-age Tennyson" but I believe she has more in common with Sir John Betjeman.

She wryly writes about contemporary subjects and relationships. Most of her poems have rhyme and meter because she prefers that form.

At the Grand, she read a selection of her hilarious poems. I particularly liked Loss and two poems ostensibly written by her teddy bear.

After tea, she gave a further reading and then answered questions. When asked why humorous poetry was not taken seriously, she replied that some serious poets feel being funny and popular is unfair competition.

In reply to another question, Cope said she had refused to see the recent film on the life of Sylvia Plath because it did not have the approval of Ted Hughes' family with whom she was friendly.

It was a delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon and was testimony to the power of the poetry that we sat attentively during the first reading while a tempting meal lay unconsumed in front of us.

Sponsored by De Vere Grand Hotel, Brighton.