BLUR star Alex James has teamed up with Great Western Railway to launch a poetry competition which could see one lucky winner claim free train travel for a year.

GWR and writer and musician James have launched a national poetry competition asking passengers to channel their inner creative thoughts and pen something about what they like about travelling by rail.

The winner will receive free rail travel on GWR, which serves Weymouth and Dorchester West stations, on a selected immersive seat which has the best window views to switch off and write.

The winner will also have their poem featured on station posters across the GWR network. James will judge the competition.

He said: “There are always a few hours in the day or week where we can turn our hand to our talents and tap into our inner creativity. Whether it’s a walk in the country or a particularly scenic train journey, use your downtime to tune into your creative mind.

“Rail travel has long been the source of inspiration for many poets – just look at Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman, who created much of his work aboard a GWR train.

“I love switching off and being immersed in what I can see out of the window. I’m excited to see how people will interpret their creative thoughts.”

GWR campaign manager, Candice Couillard, said: “We want to encourage our passengers to discover their inner poet, inspired by taking the train and looking at the stunning scenery on GWR train routes. Our routes run through some beautiful places in the UK including Dawlish and the Royal Albert Train Bridge, alongside stunning coasts, rolling green countryside, heavily wooded valleys and fine river crossings.

The competition is open until November 3. To enter go to www.gwr.com/destinations-and-events/inspired-lines