A local writer has been praised for his "impressive" Thomas Hardy poem, which has won a writing competition.

Peter Tait entered McCarthy Stone's recent competition, which called for Dorset residents to try their hand at writing a poem inspired by Thomas Hardy.

Peter, who was awarded £150 of book vouchers for being chosen as a winner in the competition, said: "I first became acquainted with Thomas Hardy when I read all his novels while at school and university in New Zealand.

"When I first came to Dorset and walked 'Hardy Country', I wrote several poems based on, or influenced by, Hardy's Wessex and on his poetry.

"I have subsequently written three books based around Hardy - two historical novels based on the two wives Emma and Florence - and a recent book on 'Thomas Hardy's Women'.

"I am delighted that the chairman of the Thomas Hardy Society felt I had captured something of Hardy's voice and the Wessex countryside and I hope others enjoy reading my poem."

The competition was judged by the chairman of the Thomas Hardy Society, Dr Tony Fincham, who chose Peter's poem, 'Will you Not Remember', as the winning entry.

Dr Tony Fincham, chairman of the Thomas Hardy Society, said: "Peter's sensitive poem, with its powerful imagery and haunting refrain, really impressed me with its truly Hardyan composition.

"Congratulations to Peter, and well done to everyone who submitted a poem."

The competition was launched to help celebrate the town's literary history and its close connections with the famous Dorset-based author.

Nicki Beswarick, divisional marketing manager for McCarthy Stone Southern, said: "As the birthplace of Victorian novelist, Thomas Hardy, Dorchester benefits from such a rich literary history and we felt it was only right to honour this through a poetry competition - particularly as our latest development is named Casterbridge Court after one of Hardy's novels, the Mayor of Casterbridge.

"All of the entries we received were brilliant, and I'd like to offer our congratulations to Peter for winning the competition."

To find out more about Peter Tait, visit petertait.org.

Casterbridge Court, retirement apartments for those aged over 60, is being built in London Road, Dorchester.

For more information about McCarthy Stone and the development, visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk

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