A NATIONAL competition is aiming to stoke youngsters’ imaginations to raise vital funds for Rossendale Hospice.

Waterfoot company Arthouse is launching a creative writing competition next month which is being backed by popular children’s author Jacqueline Wilson, who wrote the Tracy Beaker series of books.

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Budding writers from four to 11 years old are being encouraged to pen original stories based on a collection of pictures being produce by the wallpaper and wall art company.

Rossendale Hospice has welcomed the competition which it hopes will raise a significant amount of money for the charity.

Entries will be judged by Harriet Goodwin, author of ‘The Boy Who Fell Down Exit 43’ and Linda Chapman, author of ‘My Secret Unicorn’.

A spokesman for Arthouse said: “We are launching a story-writing competition for those that love to let their imaginations take over.

“Based on our brand-new collection of children’s wall coverings due to launch later this year, we would love to see how creative your children can be, writing a story inspired by whichever of our designs they like best.

“Our judges — themselves authors of many children’s popular books, will be picking winners from two groups — those who submit entries through schools and those who enter independently.

“All the winning stories and a selection of the best entries, will be published in a beautifully illustrated hardback story book which will be available to purchase nationwide, with all proceeds going directly to Rossendale Hospice to support its valued work improving the quality of life for those with life-limiting illnesses.”

Alison Whittaker-Stewart, marketing and corporate development manager at Rossendale Hospice said: “Arthouse is a locally-based company and have proudly supported and been patrons of the hospice for many years.

“The creative writing competition is a fabulous idea and we are delighted that Arthouse will kindly be donating proceeds from the book sales to us.”

The competition will open on August 13, and the deadline is October 4.

For information visit www.arthouse.com/imaginefun.