FOR 12 years, the Swindon Youth Festival of Literature has aimed to instil a lifelong love of reading and writing in pupils around the town.
Authors, poets and illustrators inspired schoolchildren to get creative and come up with their own imaginative writing and art.
The youngsters’ efforts were rewarded in a celebration ceremony which highlighted the best efforts of the little literature lovers.
Swindon-born author Karen Gregory judged the creative writing competition. She said: "All the entries were brilliant - there is clearly a lot of writing talent in Swindon.
"They showed a great range and flair but the winners displayed something extra, like an unusual response to the picture that inspired the story or a great twist."
The Swindon Association of School Headteachers sponsors the event.
Chairman and Ridgeway School principal James Povoas said: "From modest beginnings, this event has grown year on year, nurturing a passion for writing and reading.
"We are able to attract the most popular authors and poets from all genres who write for young people, which is a testament to how well-regarded this festival is.
"More than 5,000 students from more than 50 schools have taken part this year and more than 100,000 students have been part of the festival over the last 12 years.
"A love of reading improves education outcomes for students and has non-academic benefits like improving empathy and understanding in young people.
"Never has there been more of an important time in this digital world to sit down for a quiet break and read."
Poet Ash Dickinson judged a poetry competition based on the theme of truth. Steve Antony judged illustrations based on an extract from the book Poet X then held a workshop with the six winners.
A library ambassador from each school received prizes for going above and beyond in their efforts to support their school libraries.
Bower and Bailey Solicitors sponsored the certificates given to reigning inter-school book quiz winners from Ridgeway School.
The traditional trophy was donated by festival founder Fiona Hardcastle.
Swindon College hosted the event for the first time in its library. Lizzie Scott said: "This has been an incredible festival and we were really pleased to host everyone."
Dorcan Academy librarian Kate Murphy lead the team that organised this year's festival. She said: "I'm pleased and relieved to say that 2019 saw another successful festival. It was great to have this celebration in the familiar setting of a library."
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Creative Writing
Years 7 and 8
1st - Eleni Gaisford, Great Western Academy
2nd - Hayden Honor, Dorcan Academy
3rd - Jacob Parkinson, Highworth Warneford School
Years 9 to 11
1st - Charlotte Dillon, Lydiard Park Academy
2nd - Patrick Lane, Dorcan Academy
3rd - Violet Constable-Coble, Commonweal School
Overall winner - Eleni Gaisford
Poetry Competition
Years 7 and 8
1st - Alicia Atsvei Adyei, Lydiard Park Academy
2nd - Mahnoor Shoaib, Lawn Manor Academy
3rd - Maskaan Chamling, St Joseph's Catholic College
Years 9 to 11
1st - Rezel Baretto, St Joseph's Catholic College
2nd - Catelyn Sinclair, Commonweal School
3rd - Rosie Cantwell, Ridgeway School
Overall winner- Alicia Atsvei
Illustration Competition
Years 7 and 8
1st - Jaiden Dix, Nova Hreod Academy
2nd - Shania Da Cunna, St Joseph's Catholic College
3rd - Florence Dixon, Highworth Warneford School
Years 9 to 11
1st - Jodie Hackett, Kingsdown School
2nd - Ronnie Sparks, Highworth Warneford School
3rd - Lucia Beggan, St Joseph's Catholic College
Library Ambassadors
Abbey Park School - Lizzie Rattenbury
Commonweal School - Jawairya Niazi
Dorcan Academy - Keane Ellis
Great Western Academy - Josh Ebden
Kingsdown School - Finley Davies
Lawn Manor Academy - Richard Hewitson
Lydiard Park Academy - Dulcie Ball
Nova Hreod Academy - Amelia Higgins
Ridgeway School - Seren Rollinson
St Joseph's Catholic College - Mary-Kate Miller
Swindon Academy - Jessica Matthews
Highworth Warneford School - William Owen
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