THREE talented youngsters who penned stories to accompany the Big Birdhouse Tour that has flown in to Merry Hill had their tales read out by a professional storyteller.

Pupils from Brierley Hill Primary School let their imaginations run wild and wrote a bird-themed short story and designed a front cover for their 'book'.

The challenge coincides with the tour, which has seen 15 birdhouses land in the Brierley Hill shopping centre to show shoppers why interacting with birdlife is important and help raise funds for the RSPB.

Although each child received a prize for taking part, there were three stories - written by 10-year-old Connor Harris and Grace Harris and Olivia Wood, both aged nine - that stood out.

A prize presentation, organised by Stourbridge company Moo and Goo, took place at the centre on Wednesday (February 10), where the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Steve Waltho, attended to hear the trio's stories performed by professional storyteller Michelle Watson.

Rob Pickersgill, the centre's marketing manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome Brierley Hill Primary school as part of the Big Birdhouse Tour with the RSPB.

"The event has certainly captured the imagination of the children, who have produced fantastic bird-themed stories and illustrations, which will be professionally bound and kept in our reading tree in The Grove for our shoppers to enjoy.”

The birdhouses, which were designed by celebrities including Jo Whiley and Vic Reeves, will be on display in the centre until February 27.