7-year-old wins competition with poem about Newcastle at Christmas

Newcastle boy Noah Spencer, age 7, has been crowned the winner of a local poetry competition for magical words about Christmas time in Newcastle.

The Benton Park Primary School pupil’s poem, which starts with ‘Christmas in Newcastle is really fun, The people are friendly, ask anyone’, was selected for the way it captures ‘Christmas in the Toon’.

Newcastle-based train operator, Lumo, launched the competition earlier this month for local children to celebrate Christmas in its hometown.

Noah’s winning entry will be read aloud on the train to those travelling home for Christmas this week, warmly welcoming passengers into Newcastle Station.

The 7-year-old has also been gifted five free train tickets to travel with his family between Edinburgh and London in 2024.

Noah’s Poem

Christmas in Newcastle is really fun

The people are friendly, ask anyone

The Angel of the North stands tall and proud

While at St James' Park, there's a cheering crowd

Sparkling lights brighten up Northumberland Street

Pop into Greggs for a festive treat

Fenwicks window is exciting to see

And after you can go for a scrumptious tea

People work hard in hospitals day and night

Brightened by the Freeman Hospital lights

Boxing day match, come on the Toon!

Howay up here, very soon!

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Lumo, said: “We loved receiving so many great and heartwarming entries from children across the city. Newcastle is certainly home to some budding wordsmiths! Noah’s entry was chosen for the way it captures the spirit of Christmas in Newcastle - from the cheering Boxing Day crowds at St James Park, to the enchanting display in Fenwick’s window.

“We’ve no doubt that his words will bring a smile to those travelling on our trains in the lead up to Christmas. We can’t wait to share Noah’s poem and we hope it shines a spotlight on the festivities of our city.”