A Wymondham resident is being recognised for his contribution to the community through a book prize set up by Kett's Books.

Trevor Ellingworth was part of establishing volunteer-run Kett's Books from its beginning in 2014. When he had to step back from his voluntary work for the independent community bookshop, his fellow volunteers wanted to publicly celebrate the contribution he had made toward the shop's success. In recalling his love for both books and the Norfolk landscape, the bookshop decided to create a book prize recognising new writing about East Anglia which adds to our enjoyment and understanding of our region.

Poet Jessica Streeting, who moved to Cawston as a child, will be the first author to receive the prize, for her book of poetry, Sea-Change. The book is a memoir of life in rural Norfolk in 1975. Arriving with his family from London in an ancient taxi, Jessica's father took up the position of rector, seemingly called there by a dream he had had. The narrative poem brings the people, time and place unmistakably to life - and we share in Jessica's grief when a tragic accident causes her father's untimely death.

The book has an additional local connection, as it is published by Norwich publisher Propolis, part of the Book Hive on London Street.

The public are welcome to join the bookshop for a poetry reading and the awarding of the first Ellingworth Prize, on Thursday 21st July at 5.30pm at Wymondham Baptist Church. Wine and nibbles will follow in the bookshop.

Shop manager Tracy Kenny said: 'Trevor remains a dear friend to Kett's Books. His optimism during our early years was such an encouragement to everyone in the bookshop, and we wanted to create a prize to recognise his contribution. Because he always celebrated and championed local writing, we are thrilled to establish the prize in his name.'