A PUB landlord is searching for a poet to represent the county in a national competition.

Alan Archer of the Kings Head in North Weald is looking to find someone to enter the Pub Poet competition, taking their inspiration from ale.

The winner will have their verse judged against the winners from 22 other pubs and could be in with the chance of winning a VIP weekend for four people, including a champagne picnic and tickets to Kew Gardens.

The competition is being launched to coincide with a golden ale festival at the pub on the High Road.

Mr Archer said: “Can there be anything much more inspirational, when it comes to writing poetry, than enjoying a quiet pint of golden ale on a warm summer evening?

"We have decided to join the other Vintage Inns in the Essex collection to find the best poet in the region.”

Customers will vote for their favourite in an online poll.

Entries must contain reference to Essex and one of the six beers included in the real ale festival, and can be submitted by email to pubpoet@gmail.com before July 31.

They should include the Kings Head in the subject and name and telephone number in the email.

A guide for pubs in Essex can be found at vintageinn.co.uk.