A POWYS schoolgirl has won an international writing competition and will now have her story turned into an audio book.

Seren Roach, 9, from Montgomery, entered the ‘Inspired Tales’ competition run by Yoto in conjunction with the National Literacy Trust. It was open to anyone under 15 living in the UK, the United States and Canada. The brand-new writing competition for children is in its first year and was open in two age categories – under 9s and 9-14s.

Seren was 8 when she entered the competition at the end of 2021 and won first prize in her category for the UK with her story entitled ‘The Crown Calamity’. The Crown Calamity is about a thief who tries to steal the Queen's crown from the Tower of London. Unfortunately for him, the crown is protected by magic, and so when it is stolen, it sets in motion a series of unfortunate events, which make the thief question his crime. It's described as funny and full of action.

Montgomery Church in Wales Primary School pupil Seren and the other UK winner were congratulated via a video meeting by bestselling author Sophie Dahl, one of the panel of judges and an ambassador for the competition.

Avid reader and self-proclaimed bookworm Seren said: “Meeting with Sophie Dahl was so exciting. I was a little starstruck at first but she was lovely and talked to us about her children, pet tortoise and the book she is currently writing.

“She even asked for suggestions for a part of the plot she is stuck on.”

As well of a bundle of prizes from Yoto, Seren’s story will be transformed into a professional recording, on a Yoto card available for sale internationally.

She will be involved in the professional production of her own story, from editing and sound recording to artwork. She will also receive a Yoto Player, audio cards, headphones and book vouchers.

Seren, who aspires to be an author when she grows up, added: “I’m so proud to be able to say I’m a published writer at 9-years-old. I can’t wait for my story to be on sale later this year.”

“We were so impressed with the quality of the entries for the under 9s across the board,” added Ms Dahl.

“The Crown Calamity was a story that delighted all the judges with its originality, humour and marvellous descriptions. I’m genuinely excited to hear the audio version of this story and read what the author writes next.”