STUDENTS at Rainford High School have been treated to three days of tongue-twisting performance by a 'slam poetry' champion.

Slam poet Miko Berry, from Edinburgh, held workshops with year 10 pupils who are studying for their English literature GCSEs.

He spent three days at the school and held a series of sessions, spending time with other year groups where possible.

Tracey Hughes, curriculum leader in English at Rainford High, said: "We invited Miko into school to work with year 10 students who are currently studying for their GCSEs. The aim of the sessions was to let the students see how poetry can be fun."

A poetry 'slam' is a competition at which poets read or recite original work. Slam poets are considered by some as a modern equivalent of the beat poets of the 1940s and '50s, including figures like Allen Ginsberg.

Some of Miko's poetry touches on subjects that resonate with school pupils, such as bullying, and he also performs tongue twisters such as 'red lorry, yellow lorry' without making any verbal slip-ups.

Ian Young, Rainford principal, said: "As a school we are delighted that Miko has come to work with the students and staff to make poetry come alive.

"Slam poetry is all about a performance, a story and a message. By embracing the modern world it has been possible to rejuvenate the writings of authors from the past who had exactly the same intention of telling their story and offering their view on the world."

Ms Hughes added: "As Miko is with us for three days we have managed to put other year groups through the workshops and let them experience how poetry really can be brought to life.

"So far it has been a huge success and the students have been truly inspired by his performances and the messages he has shared through his poems."

Miko - who is the current European Slam Champion and former Scottish Slam Champion - was at the school from Monday to Wednesday, June 8 to 10.