The winners of the Sandwich Library Guild’s Young Writers Competition were presented with their prizes on Saturday.

Children from schools in Sandwich and the surrounding areas were presented with certificates and cash prizes at Sandwich Library.

The competition was organised by the Sandwich Library Guild and saw the mayor, Cllr Paul Graeme, and mayoress Sue Graeme in attendance.

The patron of the competition, author Jane Gardam, and judges Tim Flanagan, Sonia Overall and Mercury reporter Emily Stott also attended.

Mrs Gardam said: “The standard is going up every year. The writers are getting much more confident.

“This competition is terribly important, it shows the children that it can change lives and what you can do with your life and how stories are very important.”

First prize in the 11-to-16 age group went to Arran Gallagher, 11, of Sir Roger Manwood’s School for his story Cavalier. Erin Stephenson, 10, of Eastry Primary School, took first prize in the younger age group for her story Inspector Paws and the Black-eyed Thief.

Second prizes went to Scott Oakes, 15, for his story Culling of the Sakura, and Claire Carlotti, 12, for her story Dreamer, both pupils of Sir Roger Manwood’s School.

Second place for the younger children was awarded to Jack Calvert, 11, of St Faith’s at Ash, who wrote Hieroglyphic Hysteria, and Jack McLellan, 10, of Goodnestone Primary School with The Box of Mysteries.

Stories which were highly commended were written by Isabella Bottle, 13, of Sir Roger Manwood’s; Oliver Steed, 15, of Sandwich Technology School; and Mahat Parthiban, 10, of St Faith’s at Ash.

Sandwich Town Council donated £250 to the competition, which was used for running costs and prizes.

Cllr Graeme said: “I think it’s a tremendous opportunity for the children to express their creative skills. We’re so pleased to be able to come along today to hear all about it and see the gifts being given out, and we wish them every success in coming years.”

There was also a special announcement by author Tim Flanagan. He said all the children’s stories would be put together into an e-book, available from Amazon and other online retailers from today. (Saturday)

The launch will take place at 10am.