Betjeman honoured

The actress Joanna Lumley (above) led readings of Sir John Betjeman's poetry at the unveiling of a stone tablet to the late poet laureate in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey.

Ms Lumley, a family friend, was joined by the actor Kenneth Cranham in readings from the poet's works, including "Old Friends", "Seaside Golf", and "Summoned By Bells".

Meanwhile, Seamus Heaney and Adrian Mitchell have been shortlisted for the pounds 5,000 TS Eliot prize, announced yesterday. Judges Andrew Motion, Helen Dunmore and Ruth Padel picked the 10 best collections of the year, and will also choose the winner, to be announced on 13 January.