A BUDDING writer is heading for the sweet smell of success thanks to her two pet guinea pigs.

The fluffy pair, named Golden and Syrup, inspired little eight-year-old Elli Brazzill from Whitefield to write a story about their imaginary antics.

Elli's story, entitled Guinea Pigs at the Supermarket, tells the dramatic tale about the intrepid animals' escape from their cage and their subsequent adventures.

The story is told by Golden and her "interrupting sister Syrup".

While staying with her grandmother, Elli decided to send her story to the makers of Golden Syrup Tate and Lyle and they were delighted to hear about the two pets.

Elli's mum, Kate, of West View Grove, said: "The company sent a really nice letter to Elli saying her story was lovely and they would like to print it in their magazine. I think it was too long to publish in full in the end but they featured an article about her. I think Elli just decided to send the story to Tate and Lyle because of the name of her guinea pigs and her grandma went to school with Virginia Tate."

Elli, who attends St Bernadette's Primary School in Whitefield, received a selection of goodies from the sugar and syrup company for her efforts.

Mrs Brazzill added: "Elli was really pleased. She thought it was brilliant to be featured in the magazine. She has always had a lot of imagination and has already started writing her next story. Im very proud of her."