On Sunday the winners of artsrichmond’s annual Young Writers Competition were revealed at an awards ceremony at the Orange Tree Theatre.

A panel of judges picked out the best poems and short stories from an influx of entries from youngsters representing more than 30 local schools, clubs and societies.

Among the winners were Lucas Maayeh (Grey Court School), Gemma Craig Sharples (St James’s Catholic School) and Alexander Jacob (Kew Prep) who all won Greenwood Cups for their outstanding work. Extracts from the winning works were read to an enthusiastic audience of parents and children by four young readers from the Focus Performance Centre in Whitton.

The borough’s Young Laureate, Chloe Gale (St Paul’s Girls’ School), and Junior Laureate, Alistair McLaughlin (Trafalgar Juniors), were also honoured.

Chloe received £200 and McLaughlin was awarded £100, while £100 went to each of their schools, with the money coming from a fund established in memory of Malcom Richards, editor of the Richmond and Twickenham Times for 27 years, who died in 2008.

The fund was created to support youngsters involvement in the arts. The laureates were presented with their prizes by author Josceline Dimbleby, author and ex-wife of David Dimbleby, the former owner of the Richmond and Twickenham Times.

She said: “Malcolm was an inspiration to all the young journalists who worked under him. “During their schooldays, my three children did work experience at the Richmond and Twickenham Times with him; they all say how much they learnt in that short time and what a lovely atmosphere he created in the office. “It is very sad he is no longer generating his knowledge and enthusiasm, and he is missed by everyone who knew him.”

For a full list of Young Writers Awards 2009 winners, visit richmond andtwickenhamtimes.co.uk