McCARTHY and Stone, the builder behind the Austen Place Retirement Living Plus development on the former Minnesota’s site on Windmill Hill, Alton, has donated £250 to the English department at Eggar’s secondary school.

A short-story competition, hosted by McCarthy and Stone, invited students from Eggar’s to write a creative and exhilarating story in honour Alton’s literary history.

The developer has recognised the literary history of town by naming the Retirement Living development, Austen Place, in tribute to 19th century English novelist Jane Austen, who spent the last eight years of her life living in nearby Chawton.

According to a McCarthy and Stone spokesperson, this creative activity is “centred on encouraging children to be imaginative and expressive with their stories.”

Adding: “With over 100 fantastic short stories, there was plenty of enthusiasm from the students at Eggar’s.”

Ethan Brooks, 12, took first place, along with a book token, for his short story entitled ‘Hello Mr Magpie’, a comical tale about a nightmare day at school. Jeremiah White, 11, and Kristina Baker, 13, came second and third respectively with their anecdotal family stories.

The winners were presented with their prizes by the then Mayor of Alton Dean Phillips, who also presented a cheque of £250 to headteacher Patrick Sullivan, and head of English, Kate Shawyer.

In thanking McCarthy and Stone for supporting the Eggar’s English department, Mr Sullivan commented: “The students thoroughly enjoyed creating their short stories and we look forward to building on our relationship with McCarthy and Stone as it continues to establish a presence in Alton.”

Kim Caldwell, regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone, said: “As a company, we appreciate that our responsibility is not only to build quality, purpose-built retirement properties, but also to create a positive legacy in the communities in which we build.

“Eggar’s is a superb school in the area and we are delighted to be able to give their English department a helping hand.”