Formby school children are finalists in national writing competition

Three Formby school children have made the shortlist in a national writing competition.

Tim Waters, Katie Burnett and Jack James, who go to Trinity St Peters School in Formby, beat off competition from 500 other schoolchildren, from across the county.

The talented wordsmiths, were among more than 500 youngsters who entered the KalliKids Short Story Competition 2015.

After reading through all entries, judges have shortlisted 10 stories from each of the four age categories – years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Tim Waters, Katie Burnett and Jack James are the three Year 4 finalists from Trinity St Peters.

Tim said: “I was speechless when I heard I was on the top 10 list in the country. I got my inspiration from Star Wars ships’ blueprints.”

Jack added: “I just can’t believe I have been shortlisted. I got the idea from adventure stories like Indiana jones. I love reading adventure stories and I wanted to write one with the challenge of only 500 words.”

Karen Bach, spokeswoman for the KalliKids Short Story Competition, “We were so impressed with the quality of stories we received. It is amazing that three out of 10 children nationally in the Year 4 category all come from Trinity St Peters. The theme of the competition was shine and these three certainly did this.”

Each story had to be around 500 words long. The final winners in each category will be chosen by best-selling author Jo Rees, and announced at the beginning of September. Winners will get their stories published in both hardcopy and e-book.

The four schools with the most entries will also win a creative writing session with Jo.

Jo, who wrote Platinum and Come Together said: “I loved writing stories as a child. Getting encouragement and feedback set me on my path to become a writer. Until you set pen to paper, you don’t know where your imagination can take you. That is why I am so delighted to be judging the KalliKids Short Story competition.”

KalliKids is a Brighton based company dedicated to providing parents with a place to find recommended, trusted and approved family activities. The short story competition was launched back in February and the youngsters had three months to enter.

Alex Snell, class teacher at St Trinity, said: “I am incredibly proud. I am blessed to teach such wonderful and creative children. Each of them ran with the Shine theme. I am thrilled for Jack, Katie and Tim. It is an accomplishment to be shortlisted out of so many entries.”

To read all the stories click to www.kallikids.com/en/KalliKids/kallikids-competition/short-story-competition-2015/story-competition-results.cfm

Story and Photo source: Southport Visiter