A local nine-year-old has won a city-wide creative writing competition run by Stoke Reads, the local literacy campaign from the National Literacy Trust.

Based on the theme of journeys through Stoke, the competition encouraged 7-11 year olds to write for pleasure and celebrate the storyteller within them.

Shiloh Kasote won first place against over 200 other entrants for her poem 'My Best Friend and Me'.

She wrote about the wonderful journeys across the city she enjoyed with her best friend and next door neighbour, and the adventures they continued to make after her friend moved further away.

She says: "I really loved writing my poem about my best friend and my city! I love writing and reading. I am proud of myself for having a go!"

Nine-year-old Shiloh Kasote won the competition for her poem 'My Best Friend and Me' (National Literacy Trust).

All entrees creatively explored a personal journey through Stoke, including adventures in Chatterley Whitfield mines, Hanley Museum, and the bottle kilns in Burslem, championing their unique perspectives on the city's culture, heritage, and landscape.

The winner and nine runners up will receive a book bundle generously donated by HarperCollins to celebrate their achievements.

The competition was designed by 12 youth volunteers from The Co-op Academy alongside educational partner Kreative Foundations.

By giving up their time to mentor younger peers in workshops, create supportive resources, and judge the winners, the volunteers inspired Stoke's next generation of writers with confidence and creativity.

One runner up said: "I feel so proud of my poem. I would like everyone to know, never give up and keep on trying, then one day you will achieve something."

Stoke Reads are launching a free exhibition inviting the public to celebrate the ten favourite pieces (National Literacy Trust).

To celebrate the work of these young writers and creators, Stoke Reads are launching a touring exhibition and inviting the public to enjoy the 10 favourite pieces.

The free exhibition will be held in Tunstall Library Tuesday 6th June until Friday 23rd June, before travelling to The Co-op Academy, The Potteries Centre in Hanley, and finishing in Middleport Pottery.

A special launch event will take place on the 6th June in Tunstall Library, where competition winners will have their work performed by local storyteller Alan Barrett, youth volunteers will take part in a panel discussion on the power of creative writing, and the exhibition will be unveiled.

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