A young writer from St Neots has been crowned the winner of Young Writer in Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland’s national competition.

Isabella Fleming, aged 9, sponsored by the Rotary Club of St Neots St Marys, competed against youngsters from across Great Britain and Ireland to come first in the junior category of the competition.

Isabella’s prose was around this year’s theme Our World is Beautiful where entrants were asked to explore what they think makes their world an attractive place.

The competition was judged by five judges, each from an education and teaching background. They commented that Isabella’s story was emotive and mature for her young age, which was beautifully written with clever progression.

Isabella, from Crosshall Junior Academy Trust, said: “I was very surprised but delighted to win such an important competition.”

When judging the awards, the judges explored how the entrants created their story through the theme, the tone of the prose and the correct use of spelling and grammar.

Peter Davey, president of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, said: “To be able to write passionately and from the heart is a real gift, and each winner was able to tell their story in a unique way. The quality of the entries was outstanding and I’d like congratulate Isabella on her win.”

The competition has three categories including junior, intermediate and senior, and was open to young people aged seven to seventeen. Each competitor has to take part in local and district heats before reaching the final.