Swindon's kids are being invited to have their work judged by acclaimed children's author and comedian, David Walliams.

He will be the judge of the 10th National Young Writers’ Awards, open to children aged four to 14.

The theme for this year is heroes – with participants into the free competition encouraged to write a 500-word story about their hero.

The winner will be surprised at a school assembly by David Walliams, who will announce the National Young Writer of the Year and present them with a trophy, a trip to Disneyland Paris for their family and £500-worth of books for their school. Every child who enters will receive a certificate to celebrate their story, along with personalised feedback from one of Explore Learning’s inspirational tutors.

David Walliams said: “It is a real privilege to be named judge for this year’s National Young Writers’ Awards and I am so looking forward to reading what the brilliant brains of our country’s children come up with. To write is such a wonderful, creative outlet for people of all ages and competitions just like this one are a fantastic way of encouraging kids across the UK to take the leap and release their inner authors.”