BIRMINGHAM Poet Laureate Matt Windle packed a punch when he joined Stourbridge students for a week of exploring modern day poetry.

The ‘poet with punch’ - who is also a professional boxer - worked with youngsters at Pedmore Technology College and Community School as part of the school English department’s literacy agenda to raise confidence in the use of words, encourage performance and improve writing ability.

Matt works full-time across England as a spoken word poet delivering workshops, performances and boxercise classes to schools, libraries, foster homes, young offenders, residential care homes and various other establishments.

Also a qualified ABA England boxing coach, he attempts to bring together boxing and poetry to break stereotypes and inspire others through written and physical expression.

Rachel Tyson, head of English at the school, said of his visit: “It was great to see how students responded to the activities.

“The boys were particularly impressed when Matt revealed he was also a boxer.

“Some great raps were produced with many interesting rhymes. We look forward to working with Matt again soon.”

For more on Matt check out https://mattwindle.wordpress.com/