Julie Marson, MP for Hertford and Stortford, has today announced the winners of her first Short Story Competition.
The competition was launched alongside Pearson, a multinational publishing company, and asked primary school-aged children across Julie’s constituency to email their story to the local MP. Today’s announcement coincides with World Book Day, an annual celebration that encourages students across the country to read.
Julie received 48 entries from children across the community.
In a video message, Julie thanked all children who entered, describing the entries as “beautiful” and brilliant”.
Julie has announced that Sofia, age 7 from Mandeville Primary School in Sawbridgeworth won the Key Stage 1 category of the competition with her entry ‘The Dog that Could Talk’. In the story, the main character, Lizzie, adopts an Australian Shepherd named Benji. After discovering that Benji can talk, Lizzie shows Benji’s talents to her friends before forming a strong bond with her dog.
Julie’s Key Stage 2 winner is Amaya, age 8 from Hillmead Primary School in Bishop's Stortford. Her entry, ‘Rose the Guitarist of Stortford’, saw the main character banish rattlesnakes from Bishop’s Stortford with her guitar. This tale of selflessness and helping others saw Amaya win the category for older children.
The local MP has published both winning entries on her website and has contacted the winners to let them know that they can expect books, kindly provided by Pearson, to be delivered to them to reward their efforts.
Commenting, Julie said:
“The stories I received were brilliant. We had everything in the mix: flying whales, magical princesses and packs of wolves. We certainly have some very talented children in Hertford and Stortford.
“It was really tough to make my decisions so a big congratulations to Amaya and Sofia. Their stories can be read on my website and I’d encourage residents to do so.
“I launched the competition with Pearson to challenge children across our community to flex their creative muscles, giving them a project to do during such a difficult time for them, their parents and their teachers.”
In the video, Julie commented on how high calibre was, noting the difficulty in selecting two winners. To thank all children for taking part and to mark their dedication, Julie has sent certificates and letters to all entrants.
After the success of the competition, Julie has pledged to run a similar competition in the future.
