A celebrity children's author and comedian is set to judge a young writers' competition.

David Walliams, known for his work on BBC sitcom Little Britain and as a judge on Britain's Got Talent, has been named the judge for the National Young Writers' Awards, organised by Explore Learning.

Mr Walliams is also a well respected children's author, having written 12 books, many of which have been adaptation for stage and screen.

In this year's competition, children are being tasked to write a 500 word story around the theme of 'heroes'. focusing on their hero or something they aspire to be like.

Mr Walliams said: “It is a real privilege to be named judge for this year’s National Young Writers’ Awards and I am so looking forward to reading what the brilliant brains of our country’s children come up with.

"To write is such a wonderful, creative outlet for people of all ages and competitions just like this one are a fantastic way of encouraging kids across the UK to take the leap and release their inner authors!”

The winner will be surprised at a school assembly by the comedian who will present them with a trophy, a trip to Disneyland Paris for their family and £500 of books for their school.

Every entrant will receive a certificate to celebrate their story, along with personalised feedback from one of Explore Learning’s tutors, and the top 10 entrants will received £250 worth of books for their schools from Letts Revision, while regional winners will win £50 worth of books for themselves.

Explore Learning has a centre in Finchley, which has been running for 10 years and aims to inspire children and tutor them in English and maths.

The competition runs from March 5 to April 29, and those wishing to take part can pick up an entry form from the centre in Ballards Lane.

For more information, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters or contact the Finchley centre on finchley@explorelearning.co.uk or 020 8150 2218.