BUDDING authors are being asked to put pen to paper and create a space-themed short story for this year's Wonderful Writers competition.

Children aged five to 11 can send in their tale as part of Wonderful Writers competition, in conjunction with Wirral Libraries and Read Now Write Now, which runs from Monday, July 22 until September 9.

With two competitions - one for the five to eight-year-old category and another for nine to 11-year-olds, participants will have to submit a piece of writing, under 1,000 words and based on the topic 'space chase.'

Judging will be based on the story, with focus on it's plot, characters and setting.

Two lucky winners will be awarded with a family ticket to this year's pantomime at the Floral Pavilion.

For second place, participants will receive a £25 book voucher and third prize will be a £10 book voucher.

Wirral Globe:

Stories which have won or have been commended will be shown in libraries across Wirral.

Principal judge and creator of Read Now Write Now Charles Lea said: "Wirral Libraries and I love running Wonderful Writers.

"There are so many excellent young writers in Wirral and over the summer is a good time for them to get inspired, plan and write a story.

"Reading all their tales is an absolute joy and privilege and I look forward to doing so in September.

"This year’s competition is especially significant, of course, as it takes place as Wirral celebrates being the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture and will help show just how cultured and artistic our children are."

Winners of these prizes will be invited to a special prizegiving event with the Mayor of Wirral later this year and will also receive a certificate for themselves and their school.

For more information including rules and how to submit a story please go to

readnowwritenow.org.uk