The Bradford
Literacy Campaign has announced the winners of their ‘Love Keighley’ creative
writing competition. Open to Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 pupils at schools in
Keighley, the competition’s aim was to inspire a love of writing in the
town’s youngsters.
The judging panel
which was led by acclaimed Bradford based poet and novelist, Joolz Denby
enjoyed reading the entries which vividly described Keighley’s many sights,
sounds, smells and tastes, including its fascinating cultural diversity, its
very own stunning Worth Valley Steam Railway
and distinctive terraced streets. Entries were commended for their
passion, courage in tackling difficult topics with maturity and original
imagery, as well as their driving beats and enthusiasm.
For the Key Stage 2
category, the winner is Maryam Hayat, aged 11, the runner up isAnam Abdullah,
aged 11 and Husnain Khalid, aged 12 was commended. All three entered the competition when at
Eastwood Primary and are now at University Academy Keighley. For the Key
Stage 3 category, the winner is Zara Ahmed, aged 12 and the Runner-up is Zoya
Ayman, aged 13. Both are at University Academy Keighley.
The two winners
performed their pieces at the official launch of the Bradford Literacy
Campaign and received certificates from Joolz Denby and the Lord Mayor.
Joolz Denby
said:
“The pieces were
all so evocative of Keighley and taking part in judging has been a lot of
fun. Congratulations to the winners and I urge all of Bradford’s young people
to give creative writing a go – it’s a great way to get heard!”
Imran Hafeez, the
National Literacy Trust’s Bradford Hub Manager says:
“Storytelling
through creative writing is a fantastic way for young people to express
themselves and look at their surroundings in a new light. I really enjoyed
meeting Keighley’s youngsters and hearing their enthusiasm for what makes their
town unique. The Bradford Literacy Campaign is all about providing fun ways to
improve literacy skills in the area and the passion in these entries show how
empowering writing can be - I can’t wait to see what Keighley youngsters can
achieve next!”