Young writers' competition is back

This year’s theme is ‘The Mash-up’ and children are being encouraged to write a 500 word story that is a ‘mash-up’ of two genres.

Organised by tuition provider, Explore Learning, it is the national competition’s eighth year, with children battling it out to win the coveted prize of a trip to Disneyland Paris for themselves and their family – as well as £500 worth of books for their school.

A spokesman for the competition said: “This year’s theme means we could see a spaceman rocketed back 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!”

The competition, for children aged 14 and under, will be judged by bestselling writer and artist Lauren Child. Entries must be submitted by Tuesday June 7. Visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters for submission details and to download an application form.