Poet Laureate Andrew Motion is to launch a competition for young people.

He has pledged his full support to Brighton-based Rainbow Poetry Recitals, which is organising a national poetry contest for youngsters aged eight to 18.

It is hoped the event will open up a world of classical and modern poetry they would never otherwise experience.

Dorothy Steers, one of the trustees of the group, said: "We were thrilled when Andrew Motion agreed to support the competition. He is very keen to expose young people to the reciting of poetry. He is on the world stage so we hope that, with his backing, we can really raise the profile of poetry.

"Poetry reciting has so many benefits to young people. It increases their vocabulary and helps them to pronounce words better."

She said the organisation had written to every senior school in Sussex asking them for feedback about poetry in lessons.

Another trustee, Hugh Hellicar, said: "Andrew Motion wants poetry to have a voice which is heard within our society. He is such a busy man but can convey the value of poetry to young people.

"If people see poetry as inaccessible, they should take the trouble to sit down and read a poem carefully. Just by reciting poetry, vast amounts of feelings can be tapped into."

He said all great poets developed by studying the work of others.

He said: "The competition should be of enormous value to budding poets."

Contestants will be asked to read one classical and one contemporary poem.

Finalists will select an extra poem of their choice. The final may be held in Brighton in summer next year.

The overall winner will receive a bursary.

Rainbow Poetry Recitals was founded in Brighton in 1994 and holds monthly meetings in Brighton and Hove and Worthing.

Poet Laureate Andrew Motion will launch the competition at St Bartholomew's Church, Brighton, tonight at 7.30pm.