CLUBS, organisations and schools in Steep are contributing to a floral tribute to poet Edward Thomas.

The Friends of Steep Church (FOSC) are holding an Edward Thomas Flower Festival at All Saints Church in the village from June 16 to June 18.

Floral arrangements to illustrate the poems of Thomas, who lived at Steep and died 100 years ago this year, are being displayed by Bedales school, The Edward Thomas Fellowship, Steep Primary School and many more groups.

It is hoped the festival will give participants and visitors the chance to learn more about Thomas’s verse and life.

Even though Thomas (March 3, 1878, to April 9, 1917 ) thought poetry was the highest form of literature and regularly reviewed it, he only became a poet himself at the end of 1914 when living at Steep.

He is commonly considered a war poet, although his career in poetry only came after he had already been a successful writer and literary critic.

In 1915, he enlisted in the British Army to fight in the First World War and was killed in action during the Battle of Arras in 1917, soon after he arrived in France

During the festival there will be poetry readings, music and teas.

Opening hours are 10am to 4.30pm on June 16 and 17, and 2pm to 4.30pm on June 18.

Entry is free with donations to go towards helping to preserve All Saints.