BBC Radio 2 have launched its annual competition, 500 Words, the creative writing competition for children.
The Duchess of Cornwall has been announced as an Honorary Judge - and features in this new animation!
What is 500 Words?
Seven years ago, Chris Evans from BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show had a dream: to get children excited about reading and writing. All children, no matter what their ability. 500 Words is now one of the most successful story-writing competitions for kids in the world: Three quarters of a million children have written a story for the competition over the years!
This Year's Competition
The 500 Words Final will come live on the 8th June from its biggest venue yet - Hampton Court Palace. There will be live music, superstar narrators and an audience of 3000 people.
As a new prize this year, the winners will be treated to a ride in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang around Hampton Court Palace on the day of the Final, before being driven down to the river where they’ll be treated to Tea on the Thames aboard Her Majesty The Queen’s rowbarge, Gloriana.
500 Words Live Lesson
At 2pm today, a Live Lesson will broadcast from Manchester. Last year's Live Lesson was broadcast to three quarters of a million kids.
It’s a writer’s block busting live webcast hosted by Barney Harwood and Helen Skelton with guests Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Charlie Higson and Paddington’s Madeleine Harris.
2017 Winner - Mr B B Wolf vs. Miss R R Hood - Evidence for the Courts - by Livia Turner
Dear Miss
Welcome to The Woods!
We hope you enjoy living in this picturesque log cabin that the animals have graciously donated to you. The Woods are certainly colder than where you have come from - I'd like you to accept this red hood and basket of seeds and foodstuff.
Your cabin is as close to your Grandma as we could find possible, as we know she is the reason you moved.
I am certain you will adore The Woods. The animals that live here are all pleasant folk, and the scenery could be straight from a fairy tale!
Wishing you a delightful day.
Mr. Wolf
Mayor
Mr. Wolf
Yeah thanks for the cabin, though it's not the biggest house I've ever seen.
Shame you didn't put us any closer to Grandma...
Dear Miss Hood
I hope you love The Woods as much as I do!
A friendly reminder - please don't pick the wild flowers. They are grown in specific order. My teams of birds are experts in the botanical business, and they ensure The Woods look perfect. If you pick any flower, it ruins the pattern.
Mr. Wolf
Mr. Wolf
I like much more space - so here's your keys back.
By The Way, we will be clearing some ground, so we can build my pool.
Miss Hood
I implore you not to slay any further trees!
A pool is not a necessity, whereas the trees are important to the wellbeing of The Woods - if one is felled there are disastrous consequences!
Mr. Wolf
Mr. Wolf
Since when were you the boss of me?
Miss Hood
The squirrels tell me that you have been shooting at them.
All these complaints are taking up too much of my time, and my job has become considerably more stressful.
Please try not to make the same mistakes again.
Mr. Wolf
Mr. Wolf,
I don't know what the heck you're talking about.
Squirrels are liars.
Grandma says they were rubbish neighbours anyway.
Miss Hood
What a big appetite you have!
Do not kill the animals! It is strictly forbidden.
I admit to being able to understand about the pheasants, but the rabbits pushed it too far.
When you continue to murder and devour the deer, you make yourself quite a reputation. Now the boars are vanishing - animals are queuing up outside my office to tell me they are scared.
You are making my job very hard. The system in The Woods is surprisingly fragile, and it's up to me to stop it falling into chaos. Don't make me ask you to leave.
Mr. Wolf
Mr. Wolf
We'd like to see you try.
Miss Hood
What a sickening fur coat you wore this morning!
Mr. Wolf
Mr. Wolf
All the better to keep me warm!
Stop stalking me on my journeys to Grandma's. It's v annoying!
p.s.the coat didn't look good on the old owner anyway.
Miss Riding Hood
Mark my words, you will not bruise my honor without punishment.
Mr. Wolf
To enter the competition and for more information, head to the BBC's 500 Words website at bbc.co.uk/500words
