A BURGEONING young writing talent may have been unearthed at Bradford on Avon's St Laurence School after a Year 7 pupil had her short story published.

Imogen Bailey beat off hundreds of youngsters across the country as her spooky tale, Beach Mystery, made it into the book Spine Chillers Creeping Dark as part of the Young Writers' Spine Chillers mini saga competition.

The 12-year-old and 15 of her fellow pupils had to write a story under 100 words as part of the national competition for 11-18 year olds – and much to Imogen's surprise, she made it into the running for the main prize too.

"It came as a huge shock. I was both surprised and really happy. I did not actually think it was that good but it made it in which is great," said Imogen, who lives in Leventon Place, Hilperton.

"To be published is an amazing feeling. I will not find out until next month, so fingers crossed."

Her mum Becky Owen added: “She has liked writing for as long as I can remember. She came home one day saying she had won which was brilliant.”