Isle of Man announces new Bard

The Isle of Man's new Bard says he's "overwhelmed and overjoyed".

Owen Atkinson has been handed the baton after winning the annual event yesterday.

Mr Atkinson, who is the seventh person to hold the position of the Isle of Man's "most worthy poet", takes over from Zoe Cannell.

The Manx Bard competition is held every year and is open to anyone aged 18 or over who lives full-time in the Isle of Man.

Entrants are judged on the quality of poetry, their performance and on the initiative they can bring to the role. 

After his win, Owen said: "I'm so grateful to have been chosen for this.

"The creative community on the island has given me SO MUCH over the last 18 months, and is probably the reason I decided to stay over here (like so many other young people don't).

"I'm excited to have the privilege to be able to add to that spirit now —and, of course, to share my poetry on a bigger platform!

"For now, I'm overwhelmed and overjoyed and will spend a few days taking it all in. Big plans coming soon, stay tuned".