Calling children of Manchester, it’s time to get creative and put pen to paper because the National Young Writers’ Awards have returned!
Organised by tuition provider, Explore Learning, which has a centre in Lloyd Street, Heaton Park and Eden Square Shopping Centre, the theme this year is ‘The Mash-Up’ where children are encouraged to write a 500 word story that is a ‘mash-up’ of two genres. This could see a spaceman rocketed to Roman times, an alien landing in the lost city of Atlantis, a Victorian gentleman trekking the outback or your favourite fairy-tale character taking on killer zombies – just let your imagination go wild!
It is the eighth year the national competition will run with children battling it out to win the coveted prize of an amazing trip to Disneyland Paris for them and their family – and £500 worth of books for their school!
And this year’s judge will be none other than multi-award winning, bestselling writer and artist, Lauren Child! The creator of much-loved characters including Clarice Bean, Ruby Redfort and Charlie and Lola has been at the forefront of innovation for 15 years, advocating visual literacy and the importance of quality books for children.
Lauren says: “Being able to write well is a wonderful thing. If you can write well, you can communicate your ideas, thoughts and feelings. If you can write beautifully, you have the power to move people with the stories you tell. The National Young Writers’ Awards celebrate the individual, encouraging children to find a voice of their own, to explore story-telling and see that the possibilities are endless.”
Lauren and the team at Explore Learning will present the winner with a trophy, their trip to Paris and fantastic collection of books during a surprise assembly at their school in June. The top nine runners up will receive a personalised engraved Sheaffer pen while each centre will select their regional winner who courtesy of the folks at National Stationery Week.
The FREE competition is open to children all over the UK aged 14 and under and the closing date is Tuesday 7th June. Children can enter by filling out an application form from their nearest Explore Learning centre, online at www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters, or simply write your story and download the entrance slip and post it to NYWA, Explore Learning, 74 North Street, Guildford, GU1 4AW.
