A SUMMER writing challenge inspired by classic children's comic The Beano will be launched this week for Wirral's budding authors.

Children aged five to 11 are being urged to send in their tale as part of Wonderful Writers competition, in conjunction with Wirral Libraries and Read Now Write Now, which runs from Wednesday, July 18 until September 8.

With two competitions - one for the five to eight-year-old category and another for nine to 11-year-olds, participants will have to submit a piece of writing, under 1,000 words and based on the topic 'mischief makers'.

Judging will be based on the story, with focus on it's plot, characters and setting.

Two lucky winners will be awarded with a family ticket to this year's Christmas pantomime at the Floral Pavilion.

For second place, participants will receive a £25 Waterstones voucher and third prize will be a £10 Waterstones voucher.

Stories which have won or have been commended will be shown in libraries across Wirral.

Principal judge and creator of Read Now Write Now Charlie Lea said: "We are delighted to be running this competition again.

"We read so many excellent stories in last year’s competition and cannot wait to read a lot more inspired by this year’s theme.

"Read Now Write Now works with schools across the borough as well as home educated children and we know there are some very creative young writers out there and we cannot wait to get reading their stories.

"Thank you to the Floral Pavilion and Morrisons for sponsoring the prizes."

To submit a story - parent, guardian or carers must email them to wonderfulwriters@readnowwritenow.org.uk

For more information including rules and how to submit a story please go to readnowwritenow.org.uk