THE classic storytime opening proved a winning formula for a young emerging writing talent in West Somerset.

Danesfield Middle School pupil Bonnie Moncur's 'Once Upon a Time' theme for a 100-word mini saga won top prize in a prestigious competition.

Bonnie's entry was judged to be the best in Somerset and Dorset in a contest organised by Young Writers, a national initiative to encourage young people to engage in creative writing.

And her story will now take pride of place on the cover of the anthology that will be produced for both counties.

Some of Bonnie's classmates will also see their work in print after their entries were also judged to be of a high enough standard for publication in the anthology.

The youngsters' success followed a scheme of work studying short story craft and honing the use of description, culminating in the competition which provided them with an opportunity to flex their descriptive muscles.

Bonnie will now go head to head with the winners of other regions for the overall title of Young Writer.

Photo: Paul Scullion