Richard Holden MP today launched his Back to School writing competition for local children. With the competition underway children now have a month to write in.
Opening the competition, in a letter to children across the villages and town schools of North West Durham, Mr Holden wrote:
'Dear Children,
'As the new school term begins, I would like to invite you to write a story about what you have done during your summer holiday.
'The story can be about anything you have done or anywhere you have visited, but I would like you to include something about North West Durham, just a small mention!
'I have added the rules below:
'The competition is open to young people under the age of 11 years, who live or attend a school in my NW Durham Constituency. Please include your name, age and either a telephone number or email address so that I can contact the winner.
'The story needs to mention my constituency in some way, that’s for you to decide! It can be no more than 300 words long.
'The winner will be chosen by myself and my team and we will read every story and then choose our favourite. Entries must be submitted by Thursday 23rd September and can be dropped into my office or posted to:
'Richard Holden MP, 25-27 Medomsley Road, Consett, Co. Durham DH8 5HE
'Or you can email your story to me at richard.holden.mp@parliament.uk with 'Short Story' in the subject title.
'I will announce the winner on my Facebook page by Saturday 25th September.
There will be a prize for the winning story!
'I look forward to reading the stories. Good luck!'
To hear more about the work that Richard is doing for North West Durham, you can sign up here or input your details in the form on this page.