A YOUNG storyteller had her imagination brought to life.

Ava Smith, aged nine, from Chester, enjoyed an afternoon with a professional illustrator earlier this week to have her own story brought to life before her very eyes, after winning her age category in Hallmark Hotels’ UK wide story telling competition.

Julian Stelfox, known for illustrating children’s favourite Meet The Tractors, prepared pictures to accompany Ava’s story ‘Mother’s Mission’ for a special bedtime story book, which will be printed and made available to all Hallmark Hotel guests before the end of the year.

Ava and her family also enjoyed high tea as part of this exclusive winner event, in Hallmark Hotel Manchester.

Ava’s success follows the launch of Hallmark Hotels Storytelling campaign in January which saw over 70 creative story entries from children aged between 6-15 years from all four corners of the country. The aspiring writer has also won £50 worth of Waterstones vouchers and a hotel stay for all the family.

Ava’s story tells the rhyming tale of siblings Hattie, Mattie and their secret spy mother, on a mission to stop an evil magician who has wicked plans to steal hidden treasure from a grand hotel.

Speaking of the inspiration behind her story and events of the day, Ava said: “When I saw the competition, I thought of how much I like David Walliams’ funny stories like Gangsta Granny and Julia Donaldson’s rhyming stories like The Gruffalo, which inspired me to write a funny rhyming story called Mother’s Mission.

“Meeting the illustrator, Julian, was amazing and his drawings turned out exactly how I had described them and hoped they would look.”

Mum, Julia Smith who accompanied Ava on the trip, added: “We’re so proud of her. It’s clear from the illustrator’s drawings how she can bring stories to life with her writing.”

Debbie Neate, head of marketing at Hallmark Hotels, said: “The team were thrilled to host Ava. She’s a thoroughly deserving winner and so excited to get this book out to all our hotels in the very near future.”