A school pupil was named runner-up in a national writing competition for children and teenagers.

Nikil Hirani, from Quainton Hall School, in Hindes Road, Harrow, got the accolade as part of the Explore Learning’s National Young Writers’ Awards.

The 11-year-old was named runner-up for his 500-word story ‘Operation Eucalyptus’ based on the theme of fairy tales and fables.

The contest was judged by award winning illustrator and author of the Tom Gates series of books, Liz Pichon.

Speaking about the national competition Ms Pichon said: "All the finalists’ stories were fantastic. I was so impressed at the incredibly high standard of writing.

"There were some amazing, creative, interesting and funny tales. It made picking a winner very hard. Well done to everyone who took part."