TWO Burnham-on-Sea schoolchildren will have their short stories read by millions after they won a national creative writing competition launched by one of the biggest names in UK transport.

Freya Dandy and Tiggy Kelleher, both age 10 from St Andrews Church of England Junior School in Burnham will have their stories published on National Express coaches new free on-board entertainment system, VUER this summer.

The pupils were just two of twelve schoolchildren selected nationwide to have their stories published on the new entertainment app.

Jim Gillard, St Andrew’s class teacher and leading learners co-ordinator said: “The children undertook this challenge with great creativity and enthusiasm.

"We had some fabulous ideas and to have achieved two national winners is an impressive achievement.

"The school is very proud of our young writers."

The winning pupils will have their stories featured in a special ‘Travel Tales’ book this summer which can be accessed on board National Express coach services via their VUER app.

The competition was judged by children's authors across the UK including Huw Powell, author of the Spacejackers series from Portishead.

Mr Powell said he had a tough time judging the competition and said the standard of entries from Somerset schoolchildren was incredibly high.

He said: "Wow.

"We have so many talented young writers across the South-West.

"I was completely blown away by the high quality and quantity of the entries.

"The winning stories were incredibly well written and imaginative, with a good use of language and strong characters.

"Well done to the winners and to everyone who entered.

"Keep writing."

William Irish, age eight and Megan Owen, age nine, both from North Newton Primary School in Bridgwater were also successful in the competition and will have their stories published on the app this summer.

Chris Hardy, managing director of National Express UK said he has been blown away by the quality of entries from Somerset.

He said: “Every year we take millions of people on a journey, so it seemed really fitting to turn the tables and invite kids from all over the country to let their imaginations run riot and take us on a literary journey - they certainly didn’t disappoint.

"All the entries we received were brilliant and we’d like to say a huge thanks to all the young people who entered.

"We loved reading every single tale as well as of course a massive well done to William, Megan, Freya and Tiggy, whose stories will now be enjoyed by millions on VUER”.

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