Co Down b oy moves judges to tears as he wins award in writing contest at palace
THE Duchess of Cornwall has urged aspiring young writers to “never say no to adventures” as she hosted the final of the 500 Words creative writing competition at Hampton Court Palace.
Youngsters from all over the country who submitted a short story were invited to attend a special recording of the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show with Chris Evans in the grounds of the Tudor palace.
Among them was nine-yearold Fionn McCann from Co Down, who brought tears to the eyes of the judges.
Winning entries were read out by comedian Dara O Briain, actor Jason Isaacs, Paddington’s Jim Broadbent, Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, comedian David Walliams and former Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati.
Fionn McCann moved the judges with his story about a robin bringing messages to loved ones from those that have passed into “the great unknown”.
His story was read by Padding-
ton’s Jim Broadbent. Fionn is a big fan of Paddington and said it was “really great” that Broadbent readhisstory.
Fionn told the Press Association that his story was inspired by both his grandmother and a robin he saw hopping on his way to school.
“I don’t really remember my granny. She died when I was very young,” he said.
In a speech, Camilla said: “I wanttoencourageeveryonehere to keep reading, to keep writing, and to keep saying a big fat yes to adventures.”