It’s finally Friday (is it just us or do Bank Holiday weeks always seem longer?) So, what better way to celebrate than listen to stories read in Benedict Cumberbatch and Hugh Bonneville’s sonorous tones?


And that’s not all… The material itself is pretty darn special, coming from the pens of six very talented youngsters who have won this year’s 500 Words competition, hosted by Chris Evans’ Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

Split into two categories – 9 and under and 10-13 years old – the contest attracted nearly 120,000 entries before judges Richard Hammond, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Malorie Blackman, Charlie Higson and Francesca Simon whittled them down to a shortlist of 50 and then the six winning stories.


Singer Paloma Faith, Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis, Dick ‘N’ Dom and Barney Harwood were also on hand to recite the gold, silver and bronze entries live from the Hay Festival on Evans’ show this morning. If you missed it, be sure to have a listen below…