PUPILS from schools in Worcestershire are invited to take part in an arts festival next year.

Peripatetic Speech and Drama teacher Debra Bertulis started putting pupils forward for the Worcester Competitive Arts Festival four years ago, and is looking for young people from schools across the county to compete in next year's festival, which takes place in March.

Mrs Bertulis said: "As a spoken word teacher, my passion is Festivals.

"Worcester Competitive Arts Festival is particularly friendly and encouraging, and the tuition process itself is really magical.

"Pupils who had never learned a poem before gradually gain the confidence to perform before strangers.

"My pupils have enjoyed huge success over at Worcester over the years."

Tuition is once a week beginning in early November until mid March and interested schools are asked to contact Mrs Bertulis as soon as possible.

For more information, go to www.debrabertulis.com