“Students from a Paignton speech and drama school have made themselves heard after scooping a series of awards in national examinations.

Twelve pupils of the Marilyn Stewart School of Speech and Dramatic Art, took part in The Poetry Society’s exams.

Six-year-olds Sophie Downs, Christopher McGowan and Scott Kilpatrick gained credits for the primary certificate in spoken poetry, reciting poems like Mr Tickle and On the Farm.

Sarah-Jane Bassett, aged seven, gained a credit in spoken poetry for the primary advanced certificate.

Darren Lees, nine, and Michael Baxter, 10, had credits in the junior advanced certificate, while 11 year-old Rebecca Bennett gained a distinction for the intermediate certificate in spoken poetry.

Credits were awarded to Christopher Cassidy, 12, and Katy Dowell, 13, in the intermediate advanced poetry examinations.

Bridget Harvey, aged 17, performed scenes from hamlet and Educating Rita, which gained her a credit for the senior advanced acting exam.

Finally Stuart Lock, 18, and Jonathan Bishop, 14, achieved a credit and good pass for their portrayal of a comedy scene about two convicts who have had enough of prison-cooked Christmas dinner.”

Poetic justice has lavished its rewards on South Devon youngsters with a ear for the spoken word.

Twelve students of the Marilyn Stewart School of Speech and Dramatic Art in Paignton have sailed through a set of exams set by the Poetry Society with flying colours.

“They’ve all done extremely well,” said their Marilyn Stewart.

Six-year-olds Sophie Downs, Christopher McGowan and Scott Kilpatrick won credits for primary certificates in spoken poetry, reciting Mr Tickle and On The Farm.

Seven-year-old Sarah-Jane Bassett also gained credit in spoken poetry for the primary advanced certificate.

Darren Lees, nine, and Michael Baxter, ten, landed credits in junior advanced certificates while Rebecca Bennett, 11, gained a certificate in spoken poetry.

Christopher Cassidy, 12, and Katy Dowell, 13, achieved credits in the Intermediate Advanced Poetry Exams.

Brigette Harvey, 17, gained a credit for the senior advanced acting exam, performing scenes from two different works – Hamlet and Educating Rita.

And Stuart Lock, 18, and Jonathan Bishop, 14, achieved a credit and good pass for their acting performance in a comedy scene.