Ref. 27799TWO budding writers at Redland Primary School in Chippenham have scooped awards in a national competition.

Leanne Scoynes and Kelly Garrett, both aged 11, were singled out as shortlisted winners in the Write Here Write Now competition run by the Department for Education and Skills.

The girls, who wrote stories about why they would rather be alive now than during Victorian times, received a certificate from junior schools minister Stephen Twigg and goody bags containing key rings, pencils and pens.

Headteacher Hilary Etherington said: "They've done incredibly well because 34,000 children entered. It is an incredible achievement for the two girls. They were delighted and so proud."

The Write Here, Write Now awards is an annual competition open to all children in Years 4 and 5.

The awards aim to inspire creative and effective writing, and to show writing is fun.

Children could enter four categories: story, poem, persuasive writing and journalism, and there were prizes for regional and national winners.

Mrs Etherington said: "Children have definitely got the writing bug which is what it is all about."