Children across Dorset are being invited to take part in a free writing competition this year, following a new partnership between the Bournemouth Writing Festival and local charity Waggy Tails Rescue.
The competition is open to Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 pupils in schools and home education, with children asked to write stories or poems inspired by the theme Every Dog Deserves a Home, linking creativity with messages around care, responsibility and rehoming.
To support entries, the festival has released a free online educator pack designed for classroom and home use, featuring a video introduction to Waggy Tails Rescue, writing prompts, lesson slides and practical guidance to help pupils develop short stories and poetry.
Entries must be submitted by Sunday 15 March this year, with winning writers invited to a celebration during the Bournemouth Writing Festival in April, where their work will be shared with the wider community.
Judging will once again be carried out by members of the Hengistbury Head Writers’ Group, with winners receiving certificates, displays at Bournemouth Library and the chance to attend special charity events connected to Waggy Tails Rescue.
Festival Director Dominic Wong said the partnership offered a way to encourage imagination while helping children learn about animal welfare, while Waggy Tails Rescue Chairperson Shelagh Meredith said the charity was looking forward to seeing how young writers interpret the stories of rescue dogs.
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