The competition, founded by Chris Evans, Radio 2 Presenter, seven years ago, invites children to write an original story on any subject or theme in 500 words or less. This year 134,780 children have sent in stories!  

Claire Wardman, Claires Court Junior Girls teacher, said:

“I’m delighted that so many of our girls have submitted their 500 words. Some of the girls set out to mix reality with fantasy and fairytales. There were lots of adventures involving everything from scary stories to a hypnotising narwhal and even an intriguing grandad... with plenty of international travel thrown in for good measure!

“I have personally signed up as a judge and am expecting to receive about 30 stories for marking, from other parts of the country. Good luck girls!”

Each 500 words entry will be judged on the following criteria: originality, plot, characterisation, language and enjoyment. Entrants will hear the results of the first round of judging in April and the winners will be announced at an event at Hampton Court Palace on Friday 8 June. Winners will have their story read out live on Radio 2 by a celebrity.