The brainchild of Chris Evans at Radio 2, 500 Words is now one of the most successful writing competitions for youngsters up to the age of thirteen.

"Entrants write an original story on any subject or theme in 500 Words or fewer and submit it online. If they win, their story will be read live on the radio by a superstar celebrity…like Julie Walters, Tom Hiddleston, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Jeremy Irons, or Sherlock himself – Benedict Cumberbatch. Each year, 10 million Radio 2 listeners hear, read and love these stories.

Prizes will be awarded to the 3 finalists in each age category:

• 2 Gold winners will win Chris Evans' height in books (6.2") and 500 books each for their school.
• 2 Silver winners will win Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall's height in books (5.6").
• 2 Bronze winners will win their own height in books. " [ 500 Words Website]

Students in Year 7 and 8 have been busy writing narratives over the last few weeks. Congratulations and good luck to those who have already submitted entries. The competition closes on Thursday 23 February at 19.00, so there is still plenty of time to take part. To submit a story, please see Miss Thackway in Q2. Alternatively, parents/guardian can do this from home.

For further details, please see http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00rfvk1