Oliver’s fable wows author

A talented nine-year-old schoolboy has been named a runner up in a national writing award.
Oliver Crowther PNL-140807-124844001Oliver Crowther PNL-140807-124844001
Oliver Crowther PNL-140807-124844001

Oliver Crowther, who attendsGreat Barford Lower School, fought off tough competition from children all over the region in the Explore Learning National Young Writer’s Award.

He found literary success with his story, Finn Crumb and the Old Man, after taking up the challenge to write a 500-word story with the theme of fairy tales and fables.

The competition attracted more than 13,000 entries.

Oliver’s mother Veena said: “I was very happy, we are very proud parents. Oliver worked so hard - he’s really excited.

“He even had to cut the story short as he had written more than the 500 words allowed - we are so proud of him.”

The competition, now in its sixth year, was judged by award-winning illustrator and author of the Tom Gates series of books, Liz Pichon.

Liz said: “All the finalists’ stories were fantastic.

“ I was so impressed at the incredibly high standard of writing. There were some amazing, creative, interesting and funny tales. It made picking a winner very hard.

“Well done to everyone who took part.”

Explore Learning, who provide English and maths 
tuition, ran a number of writing workshops all over the country.

Explore Learning launched the first ever National Young Writers’ Award six years ago.

To find out moreabout Explore Learning visit its website at www.explorelearning.co.uk/