A BURNLEY six-year-old has made his own contribution to the town’s second ‘Literary Festival’.

Amaar Saqib, a pupil at Stoneyholme Primary School, won the ‘Design and Character’ competition to be part of promotional material for the event next month.

His drawing of ‘Jack Bookay’ has been adapted by local cartoonist, Paul Barlow, to create the official cartoon ambassador for the festival from October 6 to 9.

Amaar said he was ‘was over the moon’ to have won the competition when he visited Burnley Town Hall to meet the borough’s Mayor, Cllr Howard Baker, to receive his prize.

He was given which was £50 worth of children’s books and art materials, given by Tesco.

The ‘Design a Character’ children’s competition was launched before the school summer holidays inviting budding young artists to design and name a character who loved books which would help promote the festival’s children’s activities and workshops.

Catherine Price, Burnley’s town centre manager, said: “We had a great response to the competition and it was difficult choosing a winner, but Amaar’s colourful friendly drawing stood out with the judges, and we loved the name Amaar gave to his character.”

The character’s crown is a key part of the festival programme, with the bright red crown clearing donating the children and family friendly sessions.

The Burnley Literary Festival will take place in venues across Burnley Town Centre from Friday October 6 to Monday October 9.