An education minister was impressed with a Merton school after a visit on World Book Day to launch a young writing competition.
Nick Gibb MP was among the special guests at Wimbledon Chase Primary School this morning to launch this year’s Wimbledon BookFest Young Writers’ Competition.
Little Red Riding Hood, Harry Potter and Batman were among those to welcome the special guests to the school, as they donned costumes to celebrate World Book Day.
Education minister to launch Wimbledon BookFest young writer competition at school
Youngsters from several schools packed in to the assembly hall to listen to author Caroline Lawrence offer writing tips to help children with their entries to the competition.
L-R Tony Kane, BookFest chairman, Nick Gibb MP, Kirsten Faure, 10, and Ragaveena Sureshkumar, 11, and MP Stephen Hammond
Mr Gibb, Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond and guests were introduced to the assembly before embarking on a tour of the school with headteacher Sue Tomes.
Mr Gibb said: "I think this school is fantastic.
"I met a number of children in years four, five and six.
"Their general knowledge is superb and their reading ability very advanced, particularly in their choice of books."
The theme of this year’s competition is Through the Looking Glass paying homage to the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Youngsters getting involved in the competition, which last year saw hundreds of entries from schools across the borough, are being asked to think about a twist on a traditional fairytale story.
The panel of judges comprises a range of professional writers including author Gemma Malley, Peter Glanville, the artistic director at the Polka Theatre, Becky Middleton from this newspaper and guest judge Ms Lawrence.
BookFest chairman Tony Kane said: "We are delighted World Book Day is such a well celebrated day.
"With the minister here it takes it out of the ordinary and gives it a focus."
Wimbledon BookFest is a community festival of the arts that will take place on Wimbledon Common and at venues around the borough from October 2 to 11 this year.
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