Children and young people between the ages of six and 18 are being given the chance to enter a new creative writing competition.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary and the University of East Anglia (UEA) are teaming up again, after last year’s Black Beauty-inspired competition, in celebration of the partnership’s publication of a special fundraising edition of the book, was such a success.
One of the biggest horse welfare charities in the UK, Redwings has visitor centres in Norfolk, Essex, Warwickshire and Forfar, Scotland.
This time, youngsters are being challenged to write a story or poem about an animal (real or mythical) that has an extraordinary ability, for a chance to win some fantastic prizes. The closing date is Monday 6th January 2025, and winners will be placed first to third in two age-range categories.
Charlotte McMorran-Stock, Education and Youth Publications Officer at Redwings, said: “This competition is once again inspired by Anna Sewell’s beloved book Black Beauty, as well as the amazing selection of children’s books being revived by Professor Thomas Ruys Smith and Dr Hilary Emmett, from the UEA, as part of the UEA Publishing Project.
“The story of Black Beauty is told through the eyes of a horse, named Beauty, and that got us thinking, what if other animals could talk? What if they didn’t talk but had another extraordinary ability? What adventures might they have?
“One hundred and sixty children and young people entered last year’s competition and there were some extraordinarily moving and heartbreaking pieces of writing. We hope this brief will inspire more young writers to delve deep into their imaginations.”
Prizes include book bundles, a Le Mieux horse toy and a selection of Redwings goodies including a sponsorship of Adoption Star Maya, a stunning black Friesian horse and the charity’s very own Beauty-lookalike.
To enter, email the typed-up entry of no more than 500 words if aged six to 12, and no more than 750 words if aged 13 to 18, to stories@redwings.co.uk, including the author’s name, age and contact information for their parent or guardian. Full prize details are below:
Ages six to 12 (word limit 500 words)
First Prize
• Book bundle (including Black Beauty and a selection from the UEA Publishing Project)
• Sponsorship of Adoption Star Maya for a year
• An amazing Le Mieux horse toy
• A selection of Redwings goodies
Second prize
• Book bundle (including Black Beauty and a selection from the UEA Publishing Project)
• An amazing Le Mieux horse toy
• A selection of Redwings goodies
Third prize
• An amazing Le Mieux horse toy
Ages 13 to18 (word limit 750 words)
First Prize
• Book bundle (including Black Beauty and a selection from the UEA Publishing Project)
• Sponsorship of Adoption Star Maya Adoption for a year
• Merchandise from the UEA
• A selection of Redwings goodies
Second prize
• Book bundle (including Black Beauty and a selection from the UEA Publishing Project)
• Merchandise from the UEA
• A selection of Redwings goodies
Third prize
• A selection of Redwings goodies
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