A FORMER Rhyl student will help hone the craft of a trio of budding creatives at an esteemed writers’ retreat.

Briony Collins – who studied at Rhyl Sixth A-level four years ago -and winner of ‘Coleg Llandrillo Student of the Year’ - will tutor current students at Tŷ Newydd, the National Writing Centre of Wales.

The students – Jade Oldfield 18, from Towyn and Calum Jones and Leo Canalp, both 17 from Rhyl – earned their place on the week-long residential course at the celebrated school in Llanystumdwy, near Cricieth, after winning a poetry competition and gaining sponsorship from The Rotary Club GB’s Rhyl and Denbighshire branch.

Samantha Egelstaff-Thomas, programme leader for English & Media at the Rhyl Sixth, said: “The quality of the students’ poetry this year was outstanding, and all three of them certainly deserve their places at the centre.

“To study under the guidance of Briony has made it all the more special this year and the experience should benefit their creative writing skills in the future.”

At Tŷ Newydd, world-class professional writers work with small groups to support and challenge the abilities of all those taking part.

Ms Collins won an international novel award whilst studying at Rhyl Sixth, and has since been signed up by a top literary agent, had her poetry published widely, and is currently supported by Literature Wales.

The A-level students were “thrilled” to qualify for the ‘Creative Writing Course for Young People’ and were selected following an internal competition which was open to all students. Entrants to the competition had to compose a poem on the subject of ‘The Future’.

Mr Canalp said: “It will be great to have the chance to improve my writing techniques, working alongside such a nationally renowned novelist, and ex-Rhyl Sixth student. Hopefully it will be an invaluable experience and will enhance my future career.”