A KINGSMEAD youngster proved she knew all the right words to say on Fathers' Day after a poem dedicated to her granddad was published.
Aspiring wordsmith Emma Richings, of Stapeley Close, presented her granddad Eric Cavanagh with the gift of a lifetime on Sunday when she handed him a copy of a national poetry book containing a piece of prose entitled A Granddad To Be Proud Of.
Last year the 11-year-old Kingsmead Primary School pupil was tasked to put pen to paper and write a poem and after seeing a Guardian report about poetry contributions for a book called Natural Beauty, mum Debbie decided to submit her daughter's poem.
She said: "She had to write a poem for Fathers' Day at school so she chose to write one about her granddad. She absolutely worships the ground he walks on.
"I thought nothing more about it and then we received a letter to say her poem had been selected to go into the book."
Emma added: "We found out last week but couldn't tell anyone because we wanted it to be a surprise. He loved it and he had tears in his eyes. He didn't really say anything because he was a bit overwhelmed."
Eric, 67, from Heald Green, said: "I couldn't believe it. She's absolutely spot on that little girl. I know all grandchildren are special but Emma's extra, extra special. Her mum had a tough time conceiving so when she came along everyone was thrilled."
He added: "I've got a copy of the poem by the side of my bed and it's the first thing I see in the morning. I'll always cherish this book."
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