An 11-year-old from Kent has been shortlisted in a creative writing competition held by one of Scotland’s leading hotel groups.

Ellie Howells, who lives near Cranbrook, penned a short story for the competition run by Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels which launched in February for National Storytelling Week.

It was entered by more than 300 children from Scotland, England, Wales and even the USA, but Ellie was one of the lucky 30 who made the shortlist.

The shortlisted 30 will feature in a specially-designed bedtime storybook which will be available at all eight hotels in the Crieff Hydro family.

Ellie, whose book was about Crieff Hydro’s Aloft!, said: “My mum told me about it because we have been there a couple of times.

"It is really enjoyable there.”

Explaining her story, the Year 6 student at Marlborough House school in Hawkhurst added: “When we go to the hotel, there are always lots of outdoor activities to do and we have done Aloft! at Adventure Glen before, and it was so much fun.

“I was very surprised that I was picked from more than 300 children to be shortlisted.”

The panel of independent judge authors – John Bray, Helen Grant and Susy McPhee – selected with help from Strathearn Arts, will pick three overall winners who will also have their stories brought to life in illustration for the limited edition book.

Those winners are expected to be announced soon.

Work will begin shortly to create the book for summer and, if coronavirus restrictions allow, the three winners will be welcomed to a Mini Book Festival at Crieff Hydro Hotel in July.

Unsurprisingly, Ellie says she enjoys studying English at school.

“I really enjoy writing stories at school because you can be really creative,” she said.

“There isn’t really a set answer, like there is in maths, you can just be really creative.”

Mum Lucy added: “I saw the competition and thought it was a good thing for the children to do during lockdown.

“We told her English teacher at school and she was very proud.

“She got feedback from the judges, which was lovely and very positive. We are all very proud of her.

“She is very modest about it but we think she has done very well.”

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