A pupil from Thames Ditton has been shortlisted for a writing award which recognises exceptional storytelling.

13-year-old Anna Squire has been nominated for a Wicked Young Writer Award in the 11-14 age category for her submission, 'Mother's Grasp'.

The budding writer, who attends Ursuline High School, Wimbledon, will be judged against 19 other hopefuls in the category, with the winner being announced on Thursday, June 21, at London's Apollo Theatre.

Speaking about her nomination, Anna said: “I was delighted to find that my story had been shortlisted from 4,500 entries.

"My inspiration for this story was my Grandma, I am very touched that many have been as intrigued by this story, as I am.

"I wrote this story to hopefully inform people about the tragedies that many had to go through (like my family) during World War 2.

"I wasn’t expecting to be shortlisted, so I’m really excited to attend the competition finale in June.”

The Award, which was first given in 2010, calls on young writers between the ages of 5 and 25 to submit their original pieces of fiction - which could be prose, poetry or drama.

It was created and is sponsored by the musical WICKED in association with the National Literary Trust.

Winners in each category will be awarded four tickets to the musical and £50 worth of vouchers to spend on books. They will also have the chance to meet cast members after the performance of WICKED.

This year's judges include ex-Labour chancellor and Strictly Come Dancing favourite, Ed Balls, as well as author Cressida Cowell and former Young People's Laureate for London, Caleb Femi.