Calderdale Council is encouraging youngsters to get writing, as it introduces a new, local competition in support of the BBC 500 Words campaign.
BBC Radio 2 has launched the national competition to encourage young people aged 13 and under to write a fictional story of no more than 500 words, for the chance to win great prizes for themselves and their local library.
The idea of 500 Words is to write a creative short story about any chosen subject. The competition is split into two age categories: 9 and under and 10-13, with three eventual winners being chosen in each age group.
Calderdale Council is taking the initiative to celebrate the successes of local children, by bringing the competition to schools across the area.
The Calderdale competition is open to all children under 13 in the area, and every child will be encouraged to submit their story at school. The judges will choose a winner in each age category, with an overall winner chosen from these.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Education and Lifelong Learning Ashley Evans said:
“I think this is a great idea! The Calderdale competition running alongside the BBC campaign gives youngsters the chance to shine both locally and nationally.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to encourage children to write, and of course showcase the talents of young people in Calderdale schools.”
The competition will be running throughout February in schools across Calderdale, with the resulting stories being entered both nationally and in the local contest.