A YOUNG wordsmith from Kendal has won a national writing award for her magical fantasy tale about an ancient guardian spirit.

Robyn Blunden's 'The Snow Leopard' was awarded first place in the 8-10 years category of the Wicked Young Writer Awards.

Now in its eighth year, the awards encourage young people aged 5-25 years to use writing as a way of expressing themselves, producing unique and original pieces of prose and poetry.

This year saw mroe than 4,500 submissions with a rise in entries from individuals and primary schools in the 8-10 years category and from the 15-17 age categories.

The awards were presented to winners during a ceremony involving 117 shortlisted finalists and their families and teachers at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, home of the award-winning musical Wicked.

Former Secretary of State Ed Balls, children's author Cressida Cowell and poet Caleb Femi were among this year’s panel of judges

And Greg James, just announced as the new presenter of BBC Radio 1’s flagship Breakfast Show, hosted the ceremony with prizes presented by head judge Cressida Cowell and the panel of prestigious judges.

Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust comments on this year’s finalists’ entries: “Every year, the Wicked Young Writer Awards inspire wonderfully creative and thoughtful writing – and this year was no exception. The Awards give us a unique insight into what matters most to children and young people today, and this year we were inundated with heartfelt entries on older generations, grandparents and memory loss. Well done to everyone who took part in this year’s Awards and congratulations to all of the finalists. We hope the Awards will continue to give voice to your ideas and passions.”

Wicked cast members also performed songs from the hit musical including the popular 'For Good', as well as readings of the winning entries.

Robyn said: “I am really excited about winning this award. It is first year that I have entered it.”