Children from a Romford primary school are just one step away from becoming published authors by Christmas.

Year Two pupils at Hylands Primary in Granger Way have reached the finals of a national literacy competition to discover budding writers.

George Young, Chloe Gillon and Jake Bostock, all aged seven, and Faeez Ibrahim-Ogunwolu, six, now need support from the public.

They have been shortlisted with those from 19 other schools with their story Bigsby’s Island Adventure. They could become the author of a new Story Buddies book to launch in time for Christmas.

The school’s literacy co-ordinator, Kathryn Grundy, said: “As well as the pupils potentially having their very own book published and sold online, winning this competition would also give us the chance to raise vital funds for our school, so we really hope lots of people vote for us and we win!”

Youngsters from infant schools across the country entered the Story Buddies competition in March. It is run by Hallmark Cards and supported by education advisors and the Confederate of British Industry (CBI).

The winning book will be chosen by the public through Hallmark’s Facebook page, and the winner’s story published into a Story Buddy book sold through www.hallmark.co.uk.

n To vote for Hylands visit: www.facebook.com/HallmarkUK