Over the last few years we’ve run a writing competition, in response to a range of photographic stimuli. This year we decided to offer something different in the form of 3 varied characters for you to choose from.

Thanks to everyone who entered. There was loads of great stuff but sadly we couldn’t response to you all. Here are the first place winning entries for you to enjoy. Well done to everyone who took part, please keep scribbling.

All the best to biros and creativity,
Matt Black (Signposts)

View the competition

Up to 18: 1st place winner:
Matt Rodgers, 17

Mia’s Revolution

Pirouetting in pink.
Multi-layered tulle -
Starched and restrictive,
Creating a chiffon web that is
My mother’s dream.

My steps are eloquent. Perfect pointes.
Sinews stretched –
Expressly executing the
Dance.
Suddenly, I long to rip away
The fabric - leap from the bar lines
Of the three four melody;
Leave my soul exposed…
Begin my own journey.

For a brief moment, I desire a life, devoted
To some gentle lethargy.
The tantalisingly sweet flavour of ‘free dance’.
To submit to the distractions of
Saturday shopping.
Carefree cappuccinos,
Hushed evenings, lulled by the drone
Of frivolous T.V.

Such distractions that twist and turn
My perspective until, in spinning,
I meet her gaze.
And in that moment,
I decide…

There will be revolutions of a different kind.

Matt Rodger, aged 17

Leg lift, swan body, down and up in a shower spin. Score: 10…or 0? Two floor kicks, slide into forward splits, toe touches.

She really wants me to do this…but is it what I REALLY want? Practice, practice…all I can think about is my routine and my brain pirouettes within my head!

May 29th 2008

Tomorrow - the day when I perform in the biggest competition of my life. This day could shape my next few years – it could even change the pathway that my whole life may take!

Some of the biggest names in the field of dance will be sitting on the judging panel. People travel from all over Europe just to enter this competition! Just think…three winers will get a place at the ‘Royal Academy of Ballet’ in London. The chance to live in such an amazing place… the sights and sounds of a city…the ticket to independence!

Suddenly my mother’s dream is becoming more like my dream. I have to be one of those three. I am ready. I know my routine back to front and inside out. I have left no chance for failure.

How am I ever going to sleep tonight! When I close this diary and try to count sheep, I know they will be wearing tutus!

Hannah Rodger, aged 13
.............

Up to 14: 1st place winner:
Anthony Kirkham,

For mum

I stand in the shadow of a mountain,
With no light to guide my way.
I am the shadow of the mountain,
Cold and dark without knowledge.

I hear a distant cry,
Trying to be heard over vast land.
I am the distant cry,
Still unnoticed.

I see a lonesome bird,
Its talent not applauded.
I am the lonesome bird,
Unnoticed and small.

Left without help in the shadow of the mountain,
Left to scream an unheard cry,
Left to fall from the heavens.

So I ask you now,
For your guidance.
Your love and your time.

Then I can grow to cherish our love,
And make you proud as I shine.

Jamie

Anthony Kirkham, aged 15