Poet chosen as region's first young laureate

A young poet, praised for her "passion and originality", has been appointed as East Yorkshire's first young poet laureate.

Elspeth Snelling, 26, from Beverley, will receive six months' mentorship and has the opportunity to run workshops and speak at events with East Riding Libraries.

Snelling said: "I am incredibly honoured and excited to have the opportunity to share my love of poetry with others across the East Riding."

The poet said she wanted her appointment to "expand people's horizons" when it comes to poetry.

Councillor Nick Coultish, from East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "Nurturing creative talent is an important part of our cultural offer, and this scheme gives young people a unique platform to develop their voice and share it with our communities.

"Elspeth's passion and originality shone through during the selection process, and I'm delighted to see her inspire others across the East Riding."

Snelling will work with the current East Yorkshire poet laureate, Cassandra Parkin, for three months, followed by a further three months with the incoming 2026 laureate.

The council said there had been a competitive selection process to appoint the young laureate.

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