FARNHAM children are again being called upon to get creative and put pen to paper for the return of the National Young Writers’ Awards.

Organised by tuition provider Explore Learning, which has a centre at Sainsbury’s in Water Lane, the theme this year is ‘The Mash-Up’ where children are encouraged to write a 500-word story that is a ‘mash-up’ of two genres.

This could see a spaceman rocketed to Roman times, an alien landing in the lost city of Atlantis, a Victorian gentleman trekking the outback or a favourite fairy-tale character taking on killer zombies.

It is the eighth year the national competition will run with children battling it out to win the coveted prize of a trip to Disneyland Paris for them and their family – and £500 worth of books for their school.

This year’s judge will be none other than multi-award winning, bestselling writer and artist, Lauren Child, the creator of much-loved characters including Clarice Bean, Ruby Redfort and Charlie and Lola.

The free competition is open to children all over the UK aged 14 and under and the closing date is Tuesday, June 7.

Children can enter by filling out an application form from their nearest Explore Learning centre, online at www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters, or simply write your story and download the entrance slip and post it to NYWA, Explore Learning, 74 North Street, Guildford, GU1 4AW.

For more information about the National Young Writers’ Awards visit the website www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters.