Kent youngsters have been set the challenge of persuading their best friend to join in the walk to school: but they must state their case in writing.

That’s the requirement of the latest creative writing competition for primary school children, run by the people behind Buster’s Book Club.

The most imaginative and convincing letter will win the top job at one of the county’s major shopping centres for a day. They will be given VIP access to Whitefriars in Canterbury, home of stores including Game, Tiger, and Fenwick - which boasts an impressive toy department - plus a variety of fun tasks to complete on the day.

But youngsters only have until Monday, December 11 to enter.

All they need to do is write a letter to their best buddy explaining why they should walk to school together instead of being driven by their parents or guardians in the family car. Judges of the contest will be looking at elements including creativity, persuasiveness, awareness of the benefits of eco-friendly travel, and handwriting.

The contest is run by the KM Charity Team which runs services for schools including reading scheme Buster’s Book Club and green travel programmes Active Wow (Walk on Wednesday) and Green Footsteps.

Buster’s Book Club encourages children to read at home by turning reading into a fun competition. Pupils work together to earn a Class of the Week trophy or to win monthly inter-school reading contests, with prizes including tickets to local attractions and visits from celebrity storytellers up for grabs.

KM Charity Team chief executive Simon Dolby said: “The logical complement to encouraging children to read is encouraging children to write. Reading helps children to broaden their imaginations and learn new and exciting vocabulary. Now is their chance to put it all to good use and see if they can be as creative and inventive as their favourite authors.”

Entries need to be handwritten on an entry form which can be downloaded for free from www.kmcharityteam.co.uk/writingcomp. Submissions can be sent in the post to Sarah Clyne, KM Charity Team, 10 Estuary View, Whitstable, Kent CT5 3SE, or scanned and emailed to sclyne@thekmgroup.co.uk. Entries must be received by Monday, December 11.

This will be the second time Whitefriars has offered an unforgettable day as a prize for a writing competition organised by the children’s charity the KM Charity Team. In 2015, then six year-old Elizabeth Cooper took charge of the shopping zone with exciting exclusive behind the scenes access plus goody bag to take home.

Schools interested in joining Buster’s Book Club for 2018 have until December 16 to register. Visit www.bustersbookclub.co.uk