Success story as young author shortlisted

A TALENTED young writer is proving to be Stockport’s answer to JK Rowling.

John Lauder, nine, from Cale Green, has been shortlisted for the Wicked Young Writers Award.

The youngster - who is in the competition’s eight to 10-year-old category - submitted a short story called the Misery of Makunia.

Like JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series John tells of a mystical land with dragons and powerful swords where good must overcome evil.

Judges were so impressed that he is one of 20 shortlisted and the winner will be announced at a ceremony in London.

The creative writing award was set up by the team behind the West End musical Wicked and its patron is Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall.

Categories also include age ranges five to seven, 11 to 14, 15 to 17 and 18 to 25.

Young writer John Lauder, nine, with mum Lydia and sister Abigail