Pete Crompton (pictured) must be in league with the Devil himself. OK he may not have sold his soul but rumour has it he's traded his jockstrap. Yes, on a fevered, tropical night in a boiling, darkened room where the poetry flowed like hot larva, Pete Crompton once again triumphed, this time in the North by North West slam final.

It was a very close run thing, with a high standard of poetry and performance throughout and the final results hanging literally on a point. No matter, first came Pete, second came Louise Fazakerly who by the narrowest margin (time penalty) beat Sean Kavanagh into third place and in fourth place (by one point) came Michael Wilson.

Thanks to the Tudor for putting up the first prize, the North-by-North-West festival, the judges for taking the time and being so fair and the contestants who had the balls to take part.

Pete has donated his winnings to the RSPCA and says, "I would like to thank everyone who organised the slam etc and let them know they have helped the animal shelter at Southport."

So now you know.

Photo of Mr Crompton by John Togher - Photos of the winners can be found in Galleries.