YOUNG literature lovers were rewarded with prizes and jubilant applause in front of proud friends and family members at a celebratory ceremony for the Swindon Youth Festival of Literature.

Mayor of Swindon Junab Ali presented trophies and book tokens to pupils who were picked to be first, second and third place in each festival competition, which was split into the Year 7 and 8, and Years 9 to 11 categories.

Each writing competition also had an overall winner.

Mr Ali said: “This festival is a brilliant way of getting kids interested in reading and writing during this digital age when there are so many other things competing for their attention.

“I wish I had these resources when I was growing up.”

Dorcan Academy headteacher Sherryl Bareham said: “Despite financial restraints, we have no hesitations supporting this fantastic event because of the wonderful opportunity it gives students to work with authors and poets from a range of genres.”

The Goblins of Underbridge Creek by Pranav from Commonweal School won the storytelling competition for Years 7 and 8, while Jack from Lawn Manor Academy won the Years 9 to 11 category and was crowned the overall winner for his story Mother.

Joffre White said Goblins had “great storytelling and hooked me from the first page” and Mother was “a powerful and beautifully-written piece”, though “all the entries showed great promise”.

In the new poetry competition, Lawn Manor Academy pupil Mahnoor won the Years 7 and 8 round, while Kingsdown pupil Barbara won the Years 9 to 11 round and overall.

Ash Dickinson said her poem had “a lovely use of half-rhyme and several arresting images. It was the most poetic of all the entries.” Poems written by the final three from both categories were on display for the audience to enjoy.

Nova Hreod pupil Logan won the Years 7 and 8 illustration competition for what Steve Anthony called a “a very brave, simple yet powerful piece”, and Kingsdown pupil Jamelia won the older category for a “very cinematic” painting.

Librarians from 11 schools nominated a deserving pupil from each to be awarded the title of Library Ambassador, and students from Ridgeway School received their Book Shield trophy for winning the inter-school book quiz. More than 5,000 students enjoyed attending events at this year’s festival.

Kate Morton, lead co-ordinator of the YFL, said: “This prizegiving ceremony is a real celebration of the event and our pupils, it’s a lovely way to end the festival.

“The librarians do an incredible job organising this, and I’d like to thank them, all the pupils who take part, and their families.”

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland attended the ceremony. He said: “I loved it.

“Having done English to A Level, you don’t need to convince me of the joys of reading and writing.

“Communication is such a key skill so encouraging the next generation to get a good command of the written and spoken word is very important.

“It’s great that they get such tremendous support from their teachers and librarians.”

The competitions were sponsored by Bower and Bailey Solicitors, and WH Smith.