CHILDREN from Crediton can make their school’s Christmas wishes come true - by taking part in a national writing competition.

Sam Hay, author of the Undead Pets series, and: car- tridgesave.co.uk are inviting children aged between four and 11 in the Crediton area to write a short story (fewer than 200 words) or poem inspired by winter or Christmas, for a chance to win £1,500 for their school.

The Write Christmas competition, back for its third consecutive year, will select the top 50 entries from across the UK to be published in a special free to download e-book, to be released in December 2016.

In addition, one overall winner will receive a £1,500 grantfortheirschooltospend on books or writing equipment. Two runners-up will eachsecure£250eachfortheir schools.

Both the overall winner and the runners-up will also get a stocking packed full of festive treats worth £50 for themselves.

The stories or poems will be judged by Sam Hay and a representative from cartridgesave.co.uk .

Children, parents and teachers can get hints and tips fromSamHay,plusfulldetails

Sam Hay believes the com- petition is a great step to- wards unlocking children’s creativity.

She says: “I’m thrilled to be judging the fantastic Write Christmas story competition again. It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to unleash their imaginations and get writing!

“Christmas has long been an inspirational time for stories; from the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol to the much- loved Nutcracker. Christmas is a magical time, full of wonder and excitement. I can’t wait to read this year’s entries!”

Ian Cowley, managing director of cartridgesave. co.uk , comments: “The power

of children’s imagination is incredible. We want to help cherish their amazing creativity through this challenge. It celebrates their writing abili- ty; creates a lasting testimony through the printable e-book; and nurtures their talent fur- ther by providing essential funds to get more printed word into schools.”

Last year’s Write Christmas winner was Anouk Wood, aged seven, who captured the judges’ imagination with her “highly original, funny and well written” story about the secret to making a magic Santa suit.

You can read her winning story Urgent! Make Santa a New Suit, on the website and closing date for entries is December 5.