I was delighted to once more attend the Gateshead Short Story Writing Competition. The format of these events is that you know the prize winners will be placed in 1st, 2nd or 3rd place but the final results are revealed on the evening. I sat with anticipation with Issy and her family and Elaine Chapman one of our governors as the short story prize winners in the 11 years and under category read their stories to the gathered audience.

At the end of the readings I felt that Issy's was the strongest story because of the clever twist that she had used but I was not a judge !

Last year Issy had been placed 3rd for her story in the under 11 competition and her Mum had also been placed in 3rd place in the adult competition, so I wondered how she would do this year. The winners were announced in reverse order. She definitely wasn't 3rd this year as a Year 6 boy from Fellside's name was called out. Would there be a step up to 2nd place this time ?

I was delighted when the 2nd place was awarded to a boy from Year 5 at Whickham Parochial as Issy was most definitely the winner. Her photograph is shown here taken with the Mayor of Gateshead and the rather magnificent Leviathan Trophy that she keeps for a year.

I wondered if Issy was the youngest person to have won the competition. She definitely has talent so look out for her in year's to come - Isobel De'Ath - the next J K Rowling ?

Well everyone starts somewhere ! Congratulations Issy. We are all delighted with your success and extremely proud of you.

Enjoy reading Issy's story.

Microsoft Word - I need a hero.pdf