Runners-up in a poetry competition have received an unexpected windfall of £50 each after the first prize winner was disqualified. The £500 first prize in Ambit magazine’s poetry competition was withdrawn after the winning poet disclosed that the poem had won third prize in another competition and had been published online.

Ambit’s editor, Briony Bax, pictured, said: "It is very unfortunate for us and the poet involved that the first prize had been published. Ambit prides itself on presenting only original work. However, we've decided to award a special prize of £50 to all the poetry runners-up this year so we can fairly distribute the money that would otherwise have gone to the first prize winner."

She added: "For the sake of the poet I wouldn't want to reveal who it is. We all make mistakes and unfortunately this duplication of submissions cost this poet not only the honour of winning the prize but the money too.”

The poetry competition’s second prize of £250 went to Geraldine Clarkson, while Andy Powell was third (3150).  Runners-up, in alphabetical order, were Paul Currion, Rachel J Fenton, Callum James, Majella Kelly, Yvonne Reddick, and Lesley Saunders (for two poems).

All eligible winning entries will be published in Issue 226 of Ambit, out at the end of October. There will be a celebratory event with readings by the winners, on Tuesday, 25 October at 7pm at The Sun and 13 Cantons, Great Pulteney Street, in Soho, London. Entrance is free for subscribers, or otherwise with a purchase of the magazine or £5 donation.