Local school pupils’ poetry and coronation poster designs are on their way to Buckingham Palace after winning a competition organised by Dudley South MP Mike Wood.

The work by the eighteen lucky winners has been put together in a special booklet, published to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III last weekend, and a copy is making its way to the newly-crowned king.

The winning entries have also had their work transformed into a large display for thousands of shoppers at Merry Hill to enjoy. Located on the lower mall near Asda, the exhibit is made up of eighteen winning designs and poems – selected from nearly a thousand entries submitted by primary and secondary school pupils from across the Dudley South constituency.

Nearly a thousand Dudley South students entered the competition which was organised by Mike Wood to help local children mark and celebrate the first Coronation of a British monarch in more than 70 years.

As well as being sent to the King and Queen and displayed at Merry Hill, copies of the booklet are also being sent to the Prime Minister, the Mayor of the West Midlands, and hundreds of community figures from across the Dudley Borough. Mike said:

“I’m so grateful to every one of the pupils who entered, and to Merry Hill for turning the entries into these fantastic displays. “The displays look absolutely brilliant, showcasing some of the creative talent among our local schoolchildren and I hope shoppers will enjoy seeing them.

"His Majesty has obviously had a hectic week, but what better way to unwind than to sit down with a copy of this booklet and enjoy the incredible work done by our local pupils to commemorate this special occasion.”

Jonathan Poole, centre manager at Merry Hill added: “It’s our pleasure to shine a spotlight on the young talent in our local community and to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III in a way that is so poignant and relevant to the school pupils, teachers and parents of the borough’s schools.

“We will be displaying the excellent winning poems and art throughout the month of May, and we’re sure they will delight and inspire our thousands and thousands of visitors over the coming weeks”

Winners were also treated to a gift card courtesy of Merry Hill. Anybody who would like one of the remaining booklets should call Mike Wood’s office.