World Book Day

This World Book Day and 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?”

Pupils may write a poem, short story, diary entry, letter, or imaginative piece about their local area, their community, or how they would improve their town for the future.  Pieces may be accompanied by an illustration or drawing if anyone who is more visually-minded wants to participate.

There will be certificates for participants, and entries will be published in a special constituency booklet celebrating young voices, which will be shared with schools and the towns boards.

This initiative supports both World Book Day and the National Year of Reading by encouraging creativity, confidence, and reading for pleasure, while helping children reflect on community pride and belonging.

With best wishes,

Elsie