WINNERS of a special writing competition for youngsters will be finding out who will be making headlines at an awards ceremony next week.

Primary school pupils from across the borough have been competing for the title of Dudley Young Writer of the Year, following close on the heels of last month’s successful Dudley Primary Inter-schools Math Championship.

Dudley Young Writer of the Year aims to celebrate the best in children’s fiction, non-fiction and poetry and showcase the talents of pupils aged seven to 11.

There are two age categories for each genre – seven to nine years and ten to eleven years – with the winners set to be announced at a special ceremony on Monday (July 6) attended by the Deputy Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Mohammed Hanif.

Cllr Ian Cooper, cabinet member for children’s service, said: “There are so many talented writers at our schools and this competition gives them the opportunity to be really creative and showcase their skills.

“Entries have included newspaper reports, discussions, poems and creative writing.

“The standard was incredibly high and shows just how, with the support of our committed teachers, our young people can rise to and meet this literary challenge.”

Prizes for the winners will include certificates, trophies and vouchers, from local businesses including Waitrose and the Ryemarket, in Stourbridge, Merry Hill Shopping Centre, The Rotary Club of Halesowen and Rowley Regis, Less4Office Supplies in Halesowen, Tesco in Dudley and Dudley Council.