Forward prize shortlist announced

The Forward Prize for Poetry has announced its shortlist, with well-known literary greats including Seamus Heaney making the cut.

Heaney, a Nobel laureate, has been nominated for best collection with Human Chain.

Other contenders are Lachlan Mackinnon, Robin Robertson, Sinead Morrissey, Fiona Sampson and Jo Shapcott.

Winners will be announced on October 6th and will be awarded with a GBP 10,000 prize.

The winner of the Felix Dennis Prize for best first collection will receive GBP 5,000 and there will be a GBP 1,000 prize for best single poem.

Last year Don Paterson won the best collection prize for Rain, while Emma Jones was awarded the best first collection award for The Striped World.

This will be the 19th year of the prestigious UK award.

Ruth Padel, chairman of the judges, commented: 'It is an astonishing year for poetry, with an unusually wide range as well as high standard - from international luminaries, much-loved British voices and exciting newcomers.'