This World Book Day and to mark the 2026 National Year of Reading, I am delighted to invite anyone in Years 8 & 9 to take part in a special constituency-wide writing and illustration challenge.
As Member of Parliament for Heywood and Middleton North, I am proud to represent the communities of Bamford, Castleton, Heywood, Middleton, Norden, and Spotland. This year, I would like to celebrate the voices of our young residents through a “My Pride in Place” competition.
The Government’s Pride in Place programme is a major national investment designed to give communities the power and resources to renew their neighbourhoods. It is built on a simple principle: local people know best what their area needs. As part of this work, I want to ensure that young people’s voices are heard too.
I am inviting young people to submit a piece of writing of up to 250 words based on the theme:
“What makes you most proud to live in Heywood and Middleton North?” and/or “What would you like to see in your local area?”