An Aberystwyth man has picked up second prize in this year’s Welsh Poetry Competition, which will also be the last.

Judge Mick Evans has named Gareth Roberts runner-up with his poem, ‘Refugee Song’.

He named Kerry Rawlinson, from Canada, as the overall winner, and she joins a long list of illustrious poets who have won the competition.

Kerry is the recipient of awards in the genres of poetry, flash fiction, art and photo art.

Kerry, from British Columbia in Canada, impressed judge Mike with her entry, ‘Kokanee, Spawning’.

Third prize goes to Jose Buera from London, whose entry is titled ‘Gazcue’.

Commenting on the winning entry, Welsh poet and competition judge Mike, said: "I chose this poem for the scale of its themes and its potency of language: assured, confident, without strain.

“This is a contemplation of unsolicited joy in the midst of decay and struggle, like many great poems drawing the universal from the personal.

“The poet is forced to confront mortality, watching their children, who have become lost in fascination and wonder, and are as yet ignorant of the implications of what is before them."

Competition organiser, Dave Lewis, said: "Once again we had a lot of very strong poems, from all over the world, with five Welsh writers amongst our Top 20!

“But it's a bittersweet moment because after many years of being the most respected poetry competition in Wales, the 2026 contest will be our last.

“We hope to publish a fourth anthology of winners in the autumn, and poetry fans can still find our previous three online."

Judge Mick added: "I can only express my gratitude and admiration to all poets who entered. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to spend this time in the company of such great writers."