MP Julian Smith is encouraging young writers aged 7-11 from across Skipton and Ripon to showcase their storytelling skills and creativity following the opening of the Children's Story Competition 2025.
This year's theme is 'courage', and participants are encouraged to submit stories of up to 500 words that explore what it means to be brave, how we find the strength to face our fears, and the adventures that require courage.
Commenting, Julian said,
"This competition is a fantastic opportunity for young writers across Skipton and Ripon to express their creativity and share their unique perspectives on courage.
I encourage all eligible children to participate and take advantage of this chance to have their stories read by award-winning author Anne Fine."
Anne Fine, best known for her children's books such as Madame Doubtfire and The Granny Project, will be judging the entries and selecting the winners.
The details for the competition are as follows:
· Deadline: September 29, 2025
· Winners Announced: During the Yorkshire Festival of Story
· Prizes:
· 1st Place: £100 book token
· 2nd Place: £50 book token
· 3rd Place: £30 book token
· 3 Runners-Up: A personalised response from Anne Fine
· School Prize: Schools submitting at least 15 entries will be entered to win 3 months of free access to the Stories for Schools digital library.
For more information and how to enter visit: https://storiesforschools.com/news/childrens-story-competition/

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