A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy won an inaugural writing competition.

Wensleydale Writers held a competition for children aged 11 and under, as part of this year's Middleham Stables Open Day.

Youngsters were challenged to write about the Middleham Jewel, a 15th Century sapphire pendant found in a field not far from the ruined castle.

Michael Brown, of Middleham Church of England Primary School, won the competition and was presented with a £10 book token, donated by Philip Wickes, of Castle Hill book shop in Richmond, by Richmond MP William Hague

Mauram Burner, of Wensleydale Writers, said: "We had about 50 entries, and the three founder members of Wensleydale Writers read them all and came up with a short list of four.

"Robin Battersby, the director of Arts in Richmond, then had the difficult task of picking a winner."

The group's numbers have grown from three to 15 since its formation a year ago.