TWO pupils from Mansfield High School in Brierfield have had their poetry skills recognised after their work was selected to appear in a book of poems entitled Letters from the Soul.

Philip Bailey and Fiona McGhie, both year 11 students, have been told that abridged versions of their poems I Saw a Man Die Today and War have been published by the International Library of Poetry.

Rob Holmes, who handles public relations at the school, said: "Both pupils are currently studying their GCSEs.

"Unbeknown to each other they sent their poems off to the same organisation to be published.

"Both poems were successful and have been copyrighted. They are now in the final of an international competition which will be held later this month."

Philip wrote his poem in March 2001 and recited it at the school open evening in November, while Fiona wrote War in December last year in preparation for the GCSE English coursework.