THE Academy at St James in Bradford held a hugely successful 500 word writing competition last week and headteacher Chris Tolson was keen to highlight how the community got involved.

The event took place at Cafe West in Allerton and it was a chance for the budding young authors to showcase their skills to a wider audience.

Mr Tolson enthused: "We put on big firework displays and a Christmas extravaganza but this was the first event we've really done outside the school.

"Over 100 people came down to watch, including volunteers at the Cafe West centre, and the children submitted 280 pieces of writing.

"All 24 winners and runners up have had their work entered into a national 500 word competition run by Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans.

"The National Literacy Trust supported the event and they donated over £200 worth of free gifts.

"The cafe also provided free food and the parents even got involved, as many of them signed up for a book club.

"I was bowled over by how well the event went. It was quite emotional actually."