A LITERARY charity based in Launceston has announced two new celebrity patrons.

The Charles Causley Trust is a charity based in Launceston which aims to keep alive the memory of the late local poet, Charles Causley, to raise the profile and appreciation of his work, and to promote writing and the other arts especially in and around the community in which he lived, and the wider South West region of England.

The trust was founded shortly after Causley’s death by some of his friends and supporters and has evolved and grown significantly, since then. The organisation works locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, promoting both Causley’s work and literature more broadly.

This week, the trust has announced two new celebrity patrons, who have expressed their support for the charity and its work.

A spokesperson from the organisation said: “The Charles Causley Trust is delighted to announce not one but two new patrons to the trust.

“We first welcome renowned poet, playwright, broadcaster and children's author Roger McGough. His poetry is known for reflecting on the human experience and like Charles, his poetry is particularly popular among children, taught in schools to enrich students' understanding of poetry.”

McGough has described Causley as: “Amusing and unassuming, mischievous and mystical, Charles Causley’s gift was the ability to write for both children and adults.”

The second new patron announced, is broadcaster and writer Petroc Trelawny, who has described Caulsey as ‘Cornwall’s national poet’ whose work ‘paints our home in all its beauty.’

A trust spokesperson continued: “Trelawny's strong connection to Cornwall growing up there just like Charles Causley, is celebrated in his book 'Trelawny's Cornwall: A Journey through Western Lands.'

“Their support of our work promoting arts and literature for all in the legacy of Charles Causley is invaluable to us.”