Ken took leave from his volunteer position presenting morning radio on Phoenix FM to travel to the Man from Snowy River Bush Festival earlier this month.

And he did not return empty handed, collecting the Victorian “Best Yarn Spinner” title for his rendition of “They’re all out”.

Mr Jones entered and performed three poems in competition, proving to be an audience favourite.

Despite winning over the crowd early, the poet said he did not anticipate he would be receiving an award.

“I had to wipe the ear wax off of the corner of my mouth because I was smiling from ear to ear,” he said.

His winning poem – first written by Bobby Miller and adapted by Mr Jones – follows a first-time father hearing the news of the birth of his first child, which turned out to be more than one.

In addition to winning the state title, Mr Jones came a close second in the national Bush Poets Championship, which was also held during the three-day festival.

Mr Jones is now a member of Bendigo’s Central Goldfields Bush Poets Society and regularly visits nursing homes and community groups to read his poetry.

Mr Jones will be performing alongside a number of local bush poets this Sunday at the Newmarket Hotel from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.