Post Office To Reward Young Letter Writers

Northern Ireland pupils are writing their way to success having made the shortlist for awards in the Post Office's popular national letter writing competition. Four local children are in the final running for a top prize in the competition.

Luke Sterling, a pupil of Orritor Primary School, Cookstown and Martin Sawey of Holy Rosary Primary School, Belfast have been short-listed in the 7-9 years category while Emer Fitzpatrick, a pupil of St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel and Alice Quinn of Coleraine High School were short-listed in the 12-16 years category.

Children were asked to write to their favourite fictional characters, and entries from across the UK confirm that Harry Potter is the number one influence on youngsters of all ages today.

Winners in each category will be announced on 23 February when they will each receive £50 in book tokens and win £1,000 for their school.

Nick Gittens Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Post Office Ltd said: "With over 10,000 children getting involved this year, the standard of the letters that made the final selection was exceptionally high.

"The judging was really rewarding notably in the Special Achievement category where the letters had been written by children faced with a range of challenges.

"We need letter-writing skills for everything ranging from thank you letters, to job applications and it is vital that children are taught this essential skill."

The competition encouraged children to express what they admired about their favourite fictional character in a structured letter format.

It was designed as a classroom activity to fit with the school curriculum, to motivate children of all ages and abilities.

(BMcC/JM)