Magical stories win top Potter prizes

Our marvellous RGS library was a source of inspiration for two prizewinning stories by young RGS writers Connie and Daisy (Read their imaginative entries, below)

TWO talented RGS pupils excelled in a creative writing competition with their magical stories, written to celebrate Harry Potter Day.

Students were asked to write a 500-word story inspired by the large dragon which sits in the RGS library.

Year 8 pupil Connie Peat won first prize with her tale, Norbet the Reading Dragon, about a dragon who loves to read fantasy books.

Connie, who hopes to become a vet, said: "This is my first creative writing competition and I was shocked but also excited to win because I love Harry Potter books. My inspiration came from the different genres of books and of course the library dragon!"

The 12 year old, from outside Ripon, loves reading young adult thrillers and murder mysteries and also enjoys hockey, running club, horse riding and tennis.

Librarian Mrs Dring said: “Connie’s entry was an example of lovely storytelling. There was a great use of language; it was highly imaginative and she had woven her observations of the dragon in the library into her story very cleverly. A lovely ending.”

Year 7 pupil Daisy Moffatt came second with her story about a library dragon called Yuna.

“Daisy’s story was chosen because of the wonderful sense of place and excellent dialogue,” said Mrs Dring. “There was a very good use of simile and we loved the fact that the dragon chose to stay in the library because it is a safe space!”