AN 8-year-old student from Yate will become a published author later this year after winning a writing competition set by famous author, R. A Powell in lockdown.

Maisie Leach, a Year 4 pupil at Tyndale Primary school will have her story published in R. A. Powell’s next book, a compilation of short stories written by the winners of his Rainbow writing competition.

Maisie also won a live assembly with the author for her entire school

Maisie said,“The competition was called rainbow writing competition which is great because the rainbow was the symbol of hope in lockdown.

“My story had to be 1000 words long and I wrote it about three children in a gang searching for treasure. One day they went digging behind a rainbow.

“When I listened to the announcement and heard I had won, I screamed I was so happy. I could feel my body swelling up with happiness.”

Students from Tyndale Primary school enjoyed a personal account of Maisie’s story when the school used their home learning platform during lockdown for Maisie to read her winning story to their children.

New headteacher, Kirsty Borril has raised expectations across the board since her appointment in September 2019. Children are now expected to read for a minimum of 75 minutes each day.

Kirsty said, “Maisie is an outstanding pupil, who we are so fortunate to have at Tyndale. Maisie constantly demonstrates the school ethos of gaining a better chance of success. To win a competition that then benefitted our entire cohort, is quite an achievement and we are immensely proud of her.”