THREE talented young authors from Swindon are winners in a national Christmas writing competition.
One hundred stories were chosen from the 13,000 applications entered from all over the country. Their work will soon be published in a book of short stories to help raise funds for several children's charities.
David Manning, Hannah Ford and Daniel Pidgeon took up the challenge and entered the Staples Christmas Book writing competition. The stories could cover any topic, from the magic of butterflies to how curiosity killed the cat. Only a maximum of 100 words were permitted and each story had to begin with the word "Curiously".
David Manning, 12, of Old Town entered the competition with his class of 30 at Churchfields School. His story was about a young boy who wished his parents were snowmen, only to wake next day to find them and his dog turned into snowmen!
David said he was "really happy" he had been one of the winners. His mum Audrey Manning said she was "as proud as punch" after hearing the news.
This is the second writing competition David has been successful in. He has also written a poem in which he has used a word, the first letter of which is the start of each line of the poem.
Daniel Pidgeon, 11 of Gorse Hill, who attends Churchfields School, entered the competition after telling his mum he was bored.
"He borrowed his sister's application form and started writing," Daniel's mum, Elaine Clements said.
"I'm more excited about him winning than he is!"
Daniel said he "loves art and writing" and being a winner in the competition was really great.
"My old head teacher, Mrs Turner at Lainesmead Primary, is thrilled."
Daniel who is a huge fan of Arsenal Football Club wrote: "My dream is coming true, I can hear the cheers in my head. I have reached Arsenal's football pitch."
Hannah Ford, 10, also of Old Town, who attends the Lethbridge School, entered the competition in July with a story about how a young boy tries to prove that pigs can fly. It starts "Curiously, we all know that pigs cannot fly, however Tom Victor had other opinions."
Hannah's mum Erica Ford said: "I am very pleased. This was Hannah's first competition entry and she really enjoyed writing her story."
The book, "Curiously", containing the stories is on sale at Staples' stores and House of Fraser for £1 and all proceeds will go to the National Autistic Society, Childline, Whizz Kidz and Ty Hafan Children's Hospice.
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