The newly crowned Fenland poet laureate has launched a new magazine aimed at writers in East Anglia.

Jonathan Totman, from Ely, has joined forces with writer Mary Livingstone on the Fenland Reed, a twice-yearly magazine which will carry a selection of poems and short stories from writers across the East.

Mr Totman said: “We intend to create a magazine which is widely available and visible within the community, providing a space for local writers to share their work. “It will be produced to a high standard and each issue will feature cover art by local artists.”

Mr Totman was appointed this year’s Fenland poet laureate after his submission, Wicken Fen, was selected by the judges as the stand out entry.

As laureate, he will write poetry for local events and raise the profile of literary and creative writing throughout the Fens over the next 12 months.

The duo are inviting submissions for the first issue of the magazine, due for publication in the autumn. Visit www.thefenlandreed.co.uk for more information and details of how to submit. Any queries can be sent to thefenlandreed@gmail.com