FOUR students from Great Sankey High School will see their stories in print after being shortlisted for the final of a national writing award.

Joshua Blanco’s ‘The Note’, Lewis Brocklehurst’s ‘The Forest’, Oliver Hulme’s ‘The Bookstore of Eden’ and Amy Taylor’s ‘Jump’ all impressed organisers of the Wicked Young Writers Awards, which was created in partnership with the award-winning musical Wicked.

The youngsters are among 115 finalists from across the country who will have their work read by a panel of judges including former Labour MP and Strictly Come Dancing star Ed Balls, writer Laura Dockrill, author of How to Train Your Dragon Cressida Cowell and ITV News arts editor, Nina Nannar.

Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, said: “Every year I am moved by the incredible writing of the children and young people who enter the Wicked Young Writer Awards – and this year was no exception. Children tackled incredibly difficult subject matters with originality, creativity and an undeniable sense of hope, buoyed by the good that can come out of bad situations. Well done to everyone who took part in this year’s awards and congratulations to the worthy finalists.

“We hope that the awards will continue to inspire children and young people to give their thoughts, ideas and passions a voice.”

Memorable entries include stories about an enchanted briefcase, life as human body cell, jousting, adventures with love, and an underwater world where fish work together.

The students will now head to London for the awards ceremony on June 23 at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, where the musical is performed.