Menu
12/03/2003
NI schoolboy is First Class letter writer
Ten-year-old Christopher Chambers from Northern Ireland has been recognised for a "wickedly funny letter" he wrote to his hero David Beckham – and beat off thousands of young letter writers to win the title of Royal Mail’s Young Letter Writer of the Year.
Christopher entered Royal Mail’s Young Letter Writers Competition, on the theme of ‘Write to Your First Class Hero’, with his classmates at Good Shepherd Primary School in Derry. And this week, he collected his award from TV presenter Tess Daly at the London ceremony.
An extract from Christopher’s winning letter reads: "My Hero: David Beckham… Help! I'm in trouble and it is your fault. My mum is after my blood and I think she means it this time. Let me explain. My dad is a die-hard Reds fan and he has bought me all the United gear since I was a baby… This week I am in fear of my life just because I used a line full of my sister's blouses as a line of defenders as I practiced bending free kicks like you. I admit most of my shots hit the defenders, I mean clothes, but muck can be washed out can't it! So David, please ring and tell my mum it’s your fault and not mine.”
Nigel Hall, Professor of Early Year’s Literacy at Manchester Metropolitan University, who was one of the judges, said: “Rather than writing a sycophantic fan letter, Christopher has turned the subject on its head, producing a beautifully constructed, humorous and sharp piece of writing that engages the reader from the opening sentence to the final word.”
The ‘Write to Your First Class Hero’ competition attracted thousands of primary school children in the UK to put pen to paper.
As well as David Beckham, other popular heroes were mums and dads, grandparents, pets, entertainers, famous inventors and public service workers.
Royal Mail’s Young Letter-Writers Competition has attracted over four million entries since it began 25 years ago, making it the biggest letter writing competition of its kind in the UK.
(SP)
Christopher entered Royal Mail’s Young Letter Writers Competition, on the theme of ‘Write to Your First Class Hero’, with his classmates at Good Shepherd Primary School in Derry. And this week, he collected his award from TV presenter Tess Daly at the London ceremony.
An extract from Christopher’s winning letter reads: "My Hero: David Beckham… Help! I'm in trouble and it is your fault. My mum is after my blood and I think she means it this time. Let me explain. My dad is a die-hard Reds fan and he has bought me all the United gear since I was a baby… This week I am in fear of my life just because I used a line full of my sister's blouses as a line of defenders as I practiced bending free kicks like you. I admit most of my shots hit the defenders, I mean clothes, but muck can be washed out can't it! So David, please ring and tell my mum it’s your fault and not mine.”
Nigel Hall, Professor of Early Year’s Literacy at Manchester Metropolitan University, who was one of the judges, said: “Rather than writing a sycophantic fan letter, Christopher has turned the subject on its head, producing a beautifully constructed, humorous and sharp piece of writing that engages the reader from the opening sentence to the final word.”
The ‘Write to Your First Class Hero’ competition attracted thousands of primary school children in the UK to put pen to paper.
As well as David Beckham, other popular heroes were mums and dads, grandparents, pets, entertainers, famous inventors and public service workers.
Royal Mail’s Young Letter-Writers Competition has attracted over four million entries since it began 25 years ago, making it the biggest letter writing competition of its kind in the UK.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
15 April 2010
NI Primary Schools Top Letters' Awards
Ten primary school children from across Northern Ireland are prize winners in a letter writing competition run by Royal Mail. There were three categories in the competition for ages 7-9, 10-11, and a Special Achievement award, for children who overcome particular difficulties to enter.
NI Primary Schools Top Letters' Awards
Ten primary school children from across Northern Ireland are prize winners in a letter writing competition run by Royal Mail. There were three categories in the competition for ages 7-9, 10-11, and a Special Achievement award, for children who overcome particular difficulties to enter.
21 June 2017
Arlene Foster Letter On Same-Sex Marriage Released
A letter Arlene Foster wrote to the Scottish Government has been released asking that it restrict gay couples from Northern Ireland converting their same sex marriages in Scotland. The letter was signed by the DUP Leader and was sent when she was Finance Minister in 2015.
Arlene Foster Letter On Same-Sex Marriage Released
A letter Arlene Foster wrote to the Scottish Government has been released asking that it restrict gay couples from Northern Ireland converting their same sex marriages in Scotland. The letter was signed by the DUP Leader and was sent when she was Finance Minister in 2015.
02 September 2011
Banned Jim 'Rude' Davidson Is Belfast Bound
Controversial comedian Jim Davidson, who is due to appear in Belfast in November, has been barred from performing at a Norwich theatre because of previous 'rude' behaviour towards staff.
Banned Jim 'Rude' Davidson Is Belfast Bound
Controversial comedian Jim Davidson, who is due to appear in Belfast in November, has been barred from performing at a Norwich theatre because of previous 'rude' behaviour towards staff.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
