NEW writing starlets could soon be born - thanks to a Ramsbottom-based tutoring group.

Three students at A Star Tuition won through to the semi-finals of the BBC's 500 Words competition for junior authors.

Ava Shephard, Lewis Platt and Ava Hughes, who were picked out of 35,000 entrants, will now have their works assessed by the Reading Agency, to determine the finalists.

The gold standard winners will hear their works being read out on the radio by some star story-tellers.

And they can also win Chris Evans' height in books and earn 500 volumes for their schools.

Silver and bronze award winners will also be given similar literary prizes.

Helen Wilson, the founder of A Star Tuition, said: "I’m absolutely delighted that three of our pupils have made it through to the semi-finals of such a tough competition.

"As an English teacher, I’m absolutely passionate about helping children to discover their inner storyteller.

Our little wordsmiths should be so proud of themselves.

"Children today are busy and under pressure, with many spending far too much time on screens.

"Creative writing is a wonderful outlet for them to express themselves and use their imaginations – particularly in these difficult times."

In 2019 the agency also saw three pupils make it through to the same semi-finals.

And in 2018 A Star Tuition pupil Meren Hildred, then aged 10, saw 'The Adventures of Lefty the Lonesome Loafer' make it all the way to the final, where she shared her story with the Duchess of Cornwall.

Helen herself has worked as a judge for 500 Words for past competitions.

But she is only allowed to assess entries from other parts of the country, to maintain her impartiality.