A poem by a teenager from Hampstead Garden Suburb is featured in a Penguin anthology after she won a national writing competition.

The poem I Want to Make a Difference, by 17-year-old Zara Chiu Lea Lim, was one of 50 pieces of writing chosen from more than 1,000 entries to appear in the book, published in January.

The Paper Cuts competition asked youngsters aged between 13 and 18 to write 100 words on the theme What Matters to You?

Entries were judged by a panel comprising a Penguin publisher, a representative from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and Rod Stanley, editor of youth magazine Dazed and Confused.

Zara, said: “I entered the Paper Cuts competition not really expecting anything to happen.

“It was more for fun, as I quite enjoy creative writing.

“But I’m really glad I did make the top 50 as my poem’s based on something I’ve always felt really strongly about.

“I hope it can get people thinking and encourage them to make a positive impact on the people and places round them.”

Also supporting the writing competition were author Nick Hornby, and television presenters Kirsty Gallacher and Rick Edwards — all of whom penned their own poems.

Joy Barber, of the NSPCC, said: “We’re delighted with the level of entries. Young people from across the UK have written about a wide range of subjects, from the environment and the family, to teenage stereotypes and young love.

“This provides us with some great insight into how this incredibly important generation is thinking and expressing itself.”

Sponsored by the NSPCC and supported by Penguin’s own teen website, the competition was designed to promote the confidential children’s helpline ChildLine.

The winning pieces can be viewed online at spinebreakers.co.uk

  • 'I want to make a difference' by Zara Chiu Lea Lim

What matters to me is love

What matters to me is hate

What matters to me is destiny

What matters to me is fate.

Wishing the world was perfect

No cruelty, suffering or death

I wish I could make things better

With every single breath.

But I know I can't do it

I can't do it on my own

So I wish that people would stick together

Instead of fighting their fears alone.

What matters to me isn't really hate

Not death, war, or tears

All I want is faith and hope

And simply no more fears.