Lauren wins 500 books for Ashfold's library

Form III pupil and Gold winner of BBC Radio 2’s 500 Words short story-writing competition, Lauren Cook, has won 500 books for Ashfold's school library.

Lauren won the 5-9 age category of BBC Radio 2’s 500 Words competition at a star-studded grand final at the Tower of London in June.

500 Words, which received 131,798 entries this year, is now one of the most successful story-writing competitions for children in the world.

Emmy and BAFTA-winning actress, Jenny Agutter, read Lauren’s winning story, The Kindest of Strangers, at the final; and Honorary Judge, Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall, awarded Lauren with her gold medal and prizes.

As well as rubbing shoulders with royalty and the world’s biggest celebrities and pop stars, Lauren won a special illustrated copy of her story printed by royal bookbinders, as well as Chris Evans’ height in books AND 500 books for Ashfold School.

Headmaster, Michael Chitty, said, “We are extremely proud of Lauren’s fantastic achievement and thrilled to receive these wonderful books for our school library as part of her prize.”