With the BBC’s national 500 word writing competition in mind, Paul Woolner, headteacher at Whitstone Primary School, was inspired to instigate a similar competition for schools within the Bude Communities’ Schools’ Trust.

Students and pupils submitted stories of 500 words or fewer. Mr Woolner, with Linda Jones (librarian at Budehaven School) and Chris Pringle (Spencer Thorn bookshop), judged the entries, considering the following criteria: originality, plot, characterisation, language and enjoyment.

Winners in the age categories received Spencer Thorn book tokens, and each participating school received an anthology of the stories.

Mr Woolner commented: “It was great to read so many imaginative and well-written stories, which are currently on display in Spencer Thorn bookshop.”

Mr Woolner went on to say how grateful he was to Linda Jones and Chris Pringle for volunteering to undertake the unenviable role of judges and thanked the staffs and pupils of the schools that took part in the competition.