Maisy Harradine, who is 14-years-old and from Ross-on-Wye, enjoyed an afternoon with a professional illustrator recently to have her own story brought to life, after winning her age category in Hallmark Hotels’ UK wide story telling competition.

Julian Stelfox, known for illustrating children’s favourite Meet The Tractors,  prepared pictures to accompany Maisy’s story ‘The Guest List’ for a special bedtime story book, which will be printed and made available to all Hallmark Hotel guests before the end of the year. Maisy’s success follows the launch of Hallmark Hotels Storytelling campaign in January which saw over 70 creative story entries from children aged between six to 15-years-old from all four corners of the country. The aspiring writer has also won £50 worth of Waterstones vouchers and a hotel stay for all the family.

Speaking about her win and events of the day, Maisy said: “Meeting Julian has been fantastic, his illustration of the Royal family was great and we it was fun deciding how to draw Meghan’s bump.” See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here