Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan is aiming to help make 25 per cent of primary children more literate by launching a short story competition.

The universities minister is asking year six children to write their own short story to mark World Book Day on March 3. She had pledged to read all the stories herself.

The stories need to be what an aide to the MP called “in the fiction genre” and should be under 500 words.

The MP explained: “I am launching my competition to encourage children to pick up a book and enjoy the many benefits of reading.

"Currently only 65 per cent of children hit the expected standard in reading and writing and maths at the end of primary, we set our mission in the recent Levelling Up White Paper to get that to 90 per cent by 2030."

Waterstones in Chippenham is supporting the event and will be providing prizes for first, second and third places.

“Michelle will personally read through the stories and then she will announce the winners on World Book Day. She will present the winners with a certificate and a few parliamentary goodies,” said her spokesman.

To enter by the deadline of February 28, children should email stories to michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk or send them to her office at 61 New Road, Chippenham, SN15 1ES.