Leeds Castle has launched a children's story writing competition as part of its celebrations for its 900th anniversary next year.

The castle’s Big 900 story writing challenge is based loosely on the themes of castles and time travel and will be judged by broadcaster and author Clare Balding, along with Sir David Steel, castle chief executive and Helen Ellis, head of education.

Children from five to nine and 10 to 13 can now enter their fictional story of up to 900 words online.

Entries will shortlisted by the castle’s education department before the official winners are selected by honorary judge Clare, whose books include The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop and The Racehorse Who Disappeared, and the castle’s in-house judging panel.

The winning stories will then be placed in a time capsule and buried in front of the castle - only to be opened 100 years from now at the castle's millennium.

Ten finalists from each age category and their families, will be invited to a very special awards day in May next year.

The two lucky winners will win a hamper of prizes, a stay at Knight’s Glamping, a private tour of the castle, and family tickets to the Fireworks Spectacular 2019.

They will also be invited to take part in the time capsule ceremony in June with HRH Princess Alexandra, who is patron of Leeds Castle.

There will be smaller prizes awarded to all the runners up of the competition.

Young writers have until noon on March 9, 2019 to submit their stories. The competition is open to anyone between five and 13 on April 1, 2019 and must be a full-time resident of the UK.

To enter, click here.