Prince marks National Poetry Day

Prince Charles's poem discussed the Church of England

The Prince of Wales has read a poem by Sir John Betjeman on BBC Radio 2 to mark National Poetry Day.

The heir to the throne appeared on the Jeremy Vine show to read Septuagesima, a work about the Church of England and workers whose efforts go unrecognised.

It came as Buckingham Palace launched a poetry competition for schoolchildren, ahead of a special poetry day to be held at the Queen's London home.

Young people can enter the contest on the Royal website, www.royal.gov.uk.

EXCERPT FROM SEPTUAGESIMA But still it gives the chance to me To praise our dear old C of E So other Churches please forgive Lines on the Church in which I live, The Church of England of my birth, The kindest Church to me on earth.

The material should be inspired by works from the Queen's art collection, The Royal Collection.

Five items from the collection are shown on the website, including a study of women's hands by Leonardo da Vinci and a silver figure of St George and the dragon.

Poet Laureate Andrew Motion will judge the contest, which is open to anyone under the age of 18.