Menu
12/03/2003
NI schoolboy is First Class letter writer
Ten-year-old Christopher Chambers from Northern Ireland has been recognised for a "wickedly funny letter" he wrote to his hero David Beckham – and beat off thousands of young letter writers to win the title of Royal Mail’s Young Letter Writer of the Year.
Christopher entered Royal Mail’s Young Letter Writers Competition, on the theme of ‘Write to Your First Class Hero’, with his classmates at Good Shepherd Primary School in Derry. And this week, he collected his award from TV presenter Tess Daly at the London ceremony.
An extract from Christopher’s winning letter reads: "My Hero: David Beckham… Help! I'm in trouble and it is your fault. My mum is after my blood and I think she means it this time. Let me explain. My dad is a die-hard Reds fan and he has bought me all the United gear since I was a baby… This week I am in fear of my life just because I used a line full of my sister's blouses as a line of defenders as I practiced bending free kicks like you. I admit most of my shots hit the defenders, I mean clothes, but muck can be washed out can't it! So David, please ring and tell my mum it’s your fault and not mine.”
Nigel Hall, Professor of Early Year’s Literacy at Manchester Metropolitan University, who was one of the judges, said: “Rather than writing a sycophantic fan letter, Christopher has turned the subject on its head, producing a beautifully constructed, humorous and sharp piece of writing that engages the reader from the opening sentence to the final word.”
The ‘Write to Your First Class Hero’ competition attracted thousands of primary school children in the UK to put pen to paper.
As well as David Beckham, other popular heroes were mums and dads, grandparents, pets, entertainers, famous inventors and public service workers.
Royal Mail’s Young Letter-Writers Competition has attracted over four million entries since it began 25 years ago, making it the biggest letter writing competition of its kind in the UK.
(SP)
Christopher entered Royal Mail’s Young Letter Writers Competition, on the theme of ‘Write to Your First Class Hero’, with his classmates at Good Shepherd Primary School in Derry. And this week, he collected his award from TV presenter Tess Daly at the London ceremony.
An extract from Christopher’s winning letter reads: "My Hero: David Beckham… Help! I'm in trouble and it is your fault. My mum is after my blood and I think she means it this time. Let me explain. My dad is a die-hard Reds fan and he has bought me all the United gear since I was a baby… This week I am in fear of my life just because I used a line full of my sister's blouses as a line of defenders as I practiced bending free kicks like you. I admit most of my shots hit the defenders, I mean clothes, but muck can be washed out can't it! So David, please ring and tell my mum it’s your fault and not mine.”
Nigel Hall, Professor of Early Year’s Literacy at Manchester Metropolitan University, who was one of the judges, said: “Rather than writing a sycophantic fan letter, Christopher has turned the subject on its head, producing a beautifully constructed, humorous and sharp piece of writing that engages the reader from the opening sentence to the final word.”
The ‘Write to Your First Class Hero’ competition attracted thousands of primary school children in the UK to put pen to paper.
As well as David Beckham, other popular heroes were mums and dads, grandparents, pets, entertainers, famous inventors and public service workers.
Royal Mail’s Young Letter-Writers Competition has attracted over four million entries since it began 25 years ago, making it the biggest letter writing competition of its kind in the UK.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 June 2017
Arlene Foster Letter On Same-Sex Marriage Released
A letter Arlene Foster wrote to the Scottish Government has been released asking that it restrict gay couples from Northern Ireland converting their same sex marriages in Scotland. The letter was signed by the DUP Leader and was sent when she was Finance Minister in 2015.
Arlene Foster Letter On Same-Sex Marriage Released
A letter Arlene Foster wrote to the Scottish Government has been released asking that it restrict gay couples from Northern Ireland converting their same sex marriages in Scotland. The letter was signed by the DUP Leader and was sent when she was Finance Minister in 2015.
02 September 2011
Banned Jim 'Rude' Davidson Is Belfast Bound
Controversial comedian Jim Davidson, who is due to appear in Belfast in November, has been barred from performing at a Norwich theatre because of previous 'rude' behaviour towards staff.
Banned Jim 'Rude' Davidson Is Belfast Bound
Controversial comedian Jim Davidson, who is due to appear in Belfast in November, has been barred from performing at a Norwich theatre because of previous 'rude' behaviour towards staff.
20 February 2008
MPs Shouldn't Set Own Salary: Empey
A local political leader has appealed to the Prime Minister to end the practice of MPs and MLAs' salaries being agreed by the politicians themselves. Also referring to Welsh and Scottish Assembly Members and Westminster MPs too, Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Sir Reg Empey said this practice leaves a lot to be desired.
MPs Shouldn't Set Own Salary: Empey
A local political leader has appealed to the Prime Minister to end the practice of MPs and MLAs' salaries being agreed by the politicians themselves. Also referring to Welsh and Scottish Assembly Members and Westminster MPs too, Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Sir Reg Empey said this practice leaves a lot to be desired.
29 June 2022
MOT Waiting Times A 'Complete Shambles'
The current MOT waiting times in Northern Ireland has been described as a "complete shambles", Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has said.
MOT Waiting Times A 'Complete Shambles'
The current MOT waiting times in Northern Ireland has been described as a "complete shambles", Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has said.
29 March 2007
U2 star awarded honorary knighthood
Irish rock star Bono has today accepted an honorary knighthood from the Queen at a ceremony in Dublin. The U2 frontman and campaigner, 46, was awarded the honour during a ceremony at British ambassador David Reddaway’s official residence with the condition he is not called “Sir” as he is not a British citizen.
U2 star awarded honorary knighthood
Irish rock star Bono has today accepted an honorary knighthood from the Queen at a ceremony in Dublin. The U2 frontman and campaigner, 46, was awarded the honour during a ceremony at British ambassador David Reddaway’s official residence with the condition he is not called “Sir” as he is not a British citizen.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Largely dry with clear spells at first, a few showers in the north and west. Becoming cloudier with rain spreading east through the early hours. Becoming windy, westerly gales developing along the north coast. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
