TWO Chester schoolgirls are set to be published authors at the ages of just nine and 10.

Ava Smith and Erin Kirrane have been revealed as finalists in Hallmark Hotels’ storytelling campaign launched in January.

To celebrate National Storytelling Week, the company is holding a short story competition for children and young adults aged eight to 15.

As finalists, Ava and Erin will see their stories included in a bedtime storybook which will be available to borrow at Hallmark Hotels across the country for all future guests.

Ava, from Blacon, is said to be “very excited” about being awarded a place in the book. She wrote a 300-word creative bedtime story tells the tale of a wicked magician, named Mothers Mission.

She said: “I love reading books by Julia Donaldson and I instantly get captured by her rhyming stories. But, I also really love the humour in David Walliams’ books – so I decided to combine the two elements and put them into my story.”

Erin, from Saighton, is also “thrilled” to be shortlisted. Her story features a hero hen, named The Hen’s not the Hero.

She said: “It was fun to write about a character who thought they weren’t very good at things but learnt a new skill and was able to help their friends.”

As accredited authors of the bedtime storybook both finalists will also receive their very own copy to treasure.

The judging process was led by author and CBBC Teletubbies scriptwriter Gordon Volke, said that both entries would make “fantastic additions” to the storybook.

Gordon said: “Both girls are worthy authors for the bedtime storybook and I look forward to reading more of their work in the future.”

As the competition enters its final stages, Hallmark Hotels will announce one winner from each age category as well as an overall winner in April.

Simon Williams, general manager at Hallmark Hotel The Queen, Chester, said: “It’s great to know that two entries from Chester have made the cut and we’ll be sure to point out their stories to all our younger guests who stay with us at the hotel in the future.”

For more information visit www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk/storytellingweek