Wayne Rooney creates fairy tale evening for young authors
THERE was a surprising twist in the plot of Wilmslow’s story writing competition this week as young authors were taken aback by the sudden appearance of Wayne Rooney at their local library.
As Wilmslow Library’s competition came to a climax, England and Manchester United captain, Wayne Rooney appeared from behind the shelves of books to announce the winner and runners-up.
70 children aged eight to 11 took part in the competition and were unaware that the footballer was to turn up to reveal the winning story.
Librarian Marg Charlesworth said: “Having Wayne take time out to attend this evening is far more than we could have wished for. The children were absolutely thrilled to see him here. He has shown a great interest in their hard work.”
Rooney then spent a further half an hour talking to the children and having photographs taken with the Wilmslow Football Academy members.
Erik Garner, from Wilmslow Football Academy, set up the competition in which young writers had to pen a simple story with a football theme.
He said: “I spoke to Wayne about this and he didn’t hesitate to offer his support and agreed to come along to hand out the prizes. The stories have been fantastic and the children have shown great imagination.”
The winning story, John’s Magic Gloves written by nine-year-old Ajmain Alam has now been turned into a bound book with illustrations, thanks to Sarafina restaurant, who sponsored the event.
The copies – which are signed by Wayne Rooney himself – went on sale this week and will raise funds for ambulance service charity, CardiacSmart to buy a new defibrillator.
