Acclaimed poet Roger McGough announced the winners of Transport for London's (TfL) Disabled? Poet? competition, supported by Carlton Television, today at a special awards ceremony at Sadler's Wells Theatre.

Last year, TfL invited disabled London poets to share their experiences of travel through poetry to mark the European Year of Disabled People. The theme of the competition was Journey and 150 entries were received. The winners, by category, are:

Child winner (under 17 years):
Amanda Sargeant, West Molesey, Surrey with The Journey

Adult winners (over 17 years):
First adult winner: Evelyn McNally, Hampstead with Green Light
Second adult winner: Anna Losinski, Dulwich with Down in Warsaw

Pip Hesketh, Head of Equality and Inclusion at TfL said:

"Congratulations to everyone who entered! I read your poems with pleasure and encourage all of you to keep writing. Transport for London is taking a positive approach to making more of London's public transport accessible for all and this competition encourages Londoners to share their experiences of travel. It also demonstrates TfL's ongoing efforts to engage with disabled people."

Roger McGough said:

"I'm delighted to be associated with TfL's Disabled? Poet? competition as part of the European Year of Disabled People. Poetry is for all people regardless of age, gender and ability, and TfL has created an excellent opportunity for disabled Londoners to showcase their talent. Congratulations to all entrants!"
  • The competition ran from 7 September to 21 November 2003 and was an initiative of Transport for London as part of European Year of Disabled People
  • Carlton Television are the key media partner for TfL's Disabled? Poet? competition and will be covering the competition in the popular City Survival Guide programmes from 26th to 29th January
  • The prizes are:
    A fifteen volume collection of poetry from Waterstone's
    A weekend break at a Hilton Hotel
    Lunch for four at Planet Hollywood
    Tea for two at the Ritz Hotel
    A pair of cinema tickets for VUE (Warner Village) Cinemas
    A Lonely Planet guide of the winners' choice
  • This press release is available in large print and alternative formats on request.
  • Images from the award ceremony are also available from the TL Press Office

For further information please contact Amanda Brooks at TfL Press Office on 020 7941 4882 or amandabrooks@tfl.gov.uk