The deadline of a creative writing competition has been extended to allow children and young people to get creative while staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic.
In March, St Helens Libraries Service launched its annual St Helens Super Writers competition, challenging budding writers – who either live or go to school in the borough – to produce a short story of no more than 500 words, with this year’s theme around classic fairy tales with a modern twist.
Did Hansel and Gretal get lost in Sherdley Park? Do trolls live under the Nine Arches in Newton-le-Willows?
Now in its sixth year, the competition was due to finish at the end of April but has now been put back until the end of the month (May) to give youngsters the opportunity to keep themselves occupied at home during lockdown.
Supported by Newton Rotary Club and the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity, there are three categories, 11 years and under, 12 – 16 years and 17-25 years, with three prizes up for grabs in each:
1st Prize: £50 book token
2nd Prize: £30 book token
3rd Prize: £20 book token
Sharing his words of encouragement in a bid to beat last year’s total of more than 120 entries, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure, and Libraries, Councillor Anthony Burns, said:
“Creative writing is a fascinating subject and an enjoyable way to pass the time, so I’m delighted to see the deadline for this competition extended to give our young people something exciting to do inside as we urge people to remain at home to stop the spread of coronavirus.
“Last year, we received a great response for our creative writing competition and it was difficult to choose six winning pieces, given some of the exceptional work submitted.
“Re-imagine stories of old to reflect our modern world. Get creative using your own personal twist to include your location, heritage, interest and experiences which could end up bagging you a fantastic prize in the process.”
Entry forms can be download from St Helens Libraries Service’s website which should be returned to karenthornburn@sthelens.gov.uk by Saturday 23 May.
Entries should be clearly marked with names, ages, addresses and schools.
ENDS
