Katie’s tale has TV judge David buzzing
ASCHOO L G I R L from Edgeley has entered a successful chapter of her life after winning a story-writing competition judged by celebrity David Walliams.
Katie Collins, 11, a pupil at Alexandra Park Primary, was named regional winner of the National Young Writer’s Award and now hopes to be crowned UK champion.
Her entry, called Mandi and about a fictional hero of the same name, was among 39,000 sent in across the country.
It had to be 500 words long and along the theme of heroes, chosen by competition organisers.
David Walliams, who is a judge on TV show Britain’s Got Talent, said: “I was overwhelmed by the quality and creativity of the stories I was reading and was so impressed that this broad range of exciting ideas have come from such young writers.
“Each piece of writing drew me in and kept me captivated by clever and observant story lines and engaging characters. We definitely have some future star authors here.”
The competition has been organised by Explore Learning, which has a centre in Cheadle Hulme and offers English and maths tuition to children.
David has also had children’s books published and turned into TV and stage productions.
And a bid to put on a performance of one of his adaptations – the Midnight Gang – at Bramhall Park ran in to trouble.
There were fears members of the audience would drive to the productions and damage the park so permission was refused.
But theatre company Heartbreak Productions revised their plans and the show – set in a hospital and telling the story of five children’s nighttime adventure – will now take place on July 14.
Katie will find out if she is the national winner on June 18, which would mean she claims £500 of books for her school, a trip to Disneyland Paris and visit from David.
Charlotte Gater, from Explore Learning, said: “This year’s awards attracted a record number of entries so Katie should be very proud of her success.
“We were blown away by the number of children inspired to write heroic tales. It is amazing to have David pick our winning entry this year and inspire so many children to put pen to paper.”