Kent Launches ‘Local Heroes’ Big Writing Challenge for Kids
Kent County Council’s Reconnect programme, teamed up with the KM Charity Team, has kicked off an exciting new writing contest. Themed “Local Heroes,” this competition invites young wordsmiths across Kent to celebrate their community through creative writing.
Who Can Enter & How to Take Part
- Open to children and young people living or schooling in Kent.
- Three age groups: Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2), Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6), and Key Stages 3 & 4 (Years 7-11).
- Entries can be a short story, poem, play, essay, or even a sound recording — max 500 words.
- Competition launched today; entries close 31 May.
Top Prizes and Star-Studded Awards
Children’s author Nick Butterworth, famous for Percy the Park Keeper, will attend the awards ceremony to present prizes. Winners receive framed certificates and commemorative books. The overall champions bag a bespoke glass trophy and their classes win trips funded by KCC.
Organisers Urge Kent Kids to Join In
“I hope as many Kent children as possible take up this challenge and enter the competition,” said Shellina Prendergast, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills. “It encourages a love for literacy and lets children showcase their creativity. I’m excited to see their imaginative ideas.”
Mike Ward from the KM Charity Team added, “We’re thrilled to be involved in Kent’s Big Writing Challenge. Literacy is central to our work with Buster’s Book Club and VIP programmes. If this inspires even one child to love reading and writing, it’s a huge success.”
Want to Enter?
The Reconnect programme funds the contest while KM Charity Team handles entry logistics and the judging panel. For full details and to submit entries, visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk/kbwc.
The Reconnect programme launched in April 2021 to help children recover missed experiences due to Covid-19 and runs through August 2022.
