Former MP Ed Balls Returns To Judging Panel For Wicked Young Writer Awards

The acclaimed WICKED YOUNG WRITER AWARDS (www.wickedyoungwriterawards.com), created and sponsored by the award-winning musical WICKED in association with the National Literacy Trust (www.literacytrust.org.uk), announce that author, award-winning journalist and former Labour MP Ed Balls is returning to join on the judging panel, alongside acclaimed Young People's Laureate for London, Caleb Femi and Editor-in-Chief of First News, Nicky Cox MBE. Author and illustrator of the How to Train Your Dragon books, Cressida Cowell, returns as Head Judge for the fourth consecutive year, together with long-standing judges Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust and Michael McCabe, Executive Producer of WICKED.

Launched in 2010, the free-to-enter, annual creative writing competition for 5-25 year olds raises money for, and awareness of, the National Literacy Trust who campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy.

Ed Balls said "I am really pleased to be re-joining the judging panel for the second time. I loved reading last year's entries and discussing them with my fellow judges. There was so much talent and creativity on show and we found it so hard to choose the winners. Awards like Wicked Young Writers are a brilliant way to unlock new talents and help children and young people to give their thoughts, ideas and passions a voice."

Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, said, "Writing can open up a whole new world of possibilities for children and young people. It can inspire creativity, fuel imaginations and give them the freedom to explore their thoughts and feelings. What's more, being able to write well can help children succeed at school, get a good job, and have a brighter future. This year's Wicked Young Writer Awards will give children and young people a unique opportunity to bring their ideas to life in a fictional story, poem or song lyric. I can't wait to read all the wonderful entries - good luck!"

The Awards are also pleased to announce a new media partner for 2018, First News. First News will also sponsor the Award prize for the 'FOR GOOD' category - a work-experience placement at the magazine for a young writer of 15-25 years. Editor Nicky Cox MBE will also be a guest judge for the category.

Nicky Cox MBE, editor of First News comments, "I am such a fan of Wicked and have seen it nine times in the West End. So, it is an absolute honour to be one of the judges this year for the Wicked Young Writer Awards. I know what a talented bunch our young people are, so I am excited immensely to read the entries."

Michael McCabe, Executive Producer of WICKED said, "It is with great pleasure that we welcome Ed Balls again to the judging panel as well as Caleb Femi, Young People's Laureate for London. We'd also like to offer a very big thank you to First News for agreeing to become our Media Partner. We are all extremely proud of these creative writing awards and absolutely delighted to have so much incredible support".

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall is Patron of the Awards, set up to encourage and recognise excellence in writing, and creativity, and help develop literacy and writing talent in young people. Since launching, over 25,000 young people have entered original and thought-provoking pieces of writing that consistently reflect the interests, concerns and deepest thoughts of young people, providing a first-look at the emerging voices of a new generation.

Deadline for entries is 12 March 2018.

Entrants can submit their writing by visiting www.WickedYoungWriterAwards.com, where they will also find writing tips and resources from the Award judges.