A THURROCK youngster is celebrating after winning a top prize in BBC Radio 2's 500 words short story competition.

Lenny Tucker is a Year Three pupil at Arthur Bugler Primary in Stanford-le-Hope and he picked up the silver medal in the five to nine years age group.

Lenny, who lives in Stanford, entered the competition with his story, The Old Rabbit (which you can read here).. More than 110 youngsters submitted entries this year across the two age group categories.

The final was presented by Zoe Ball on Radio 2 this morning when she was accompanied by honorary judge Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall.

All the finalists were invited to a very special Zoom meeting which was accompanied by an array of different celebrities including children presenters Dick and Dom and Strictly Come Dancing winner, Oti Mabuse.

Upon receiving his award, Lenny's story was then read out live on Radio by actress, Joanna Lumley.

Mum Jennie said: "We are all blown away. Lennie is absolutely buzzing."

Arthur Bugler Primary headteacher, John Bryant said; 'We are all extremely proud of Lenny and this is the least he deserves for his very touching story. He is a real superstar!'

The school will now receive the Duchess's height in books.

You can listen to the final again via the BBC website by clicking here