Young writer sent to the tower for tales of revolution

The son of a Fox’s Biscuits factory worker had his imaginative tale about cookies shortlisted for a BBC national story-writing competition.

Joseph Hume, whose mother Lindsey has worked at the food factory in Batley for 14 years, was inspired by the iconic biscuit maker when his school encouraged the Year Four pupil to submit an entry to the 500 words short story competition.

The brainchild of radio and TV star Chris Evans, the competition asks children aged 5-13 to pen a story under 500 words. This year it attracted a staggering 131,798 entries and the 50 finalists, including Joseph and his mum, were invited together for a grand final at the Tower of London which was broadcast live on BBC Radio 2.

Mother-of two Lindsey, a finance manager at Fox’s, said: “Joseph used to go to nursery opposite the biscuit factory and would occasionally pop into the offices and have a biscuit as I was finishing off.”

“Joseph didn’t win any prizes at the final, but the whole morning was unforgettable and a real experience of a lifetime. I feel so incredibly proud of him. He doesn’t always find writing as easy as some but he’s shown he has such a great imagination and that you can be inspired by everyday things.”

Commenting after visiting the historical landmark, Joseph from Roundhay said: “Friday was amazing. The whole morning was so much fun and we really enjoyed ourselves. I even got to meet my favourite author David Walliams.”

“I love making up funny stories and making people laugh. I can’t believe my story was chosen.”

This original and funny tale features a cookie called Crumb that escapes the biscuit box by jumping off the conveyor belt. After releasing his fellow biscuits and with the support of the custard creams and the party rings they frighten off the workers and turn the factory into a “human free” theme park.

Chris Evans told BBC listeners: “Each year we never fail to be astonished, surprised and moved by the weight of effort that the kids of the UK put into producing their own unique 500 words magical creations.”

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The ‘Cookie Revolution’ and the other fabulous stories that have been shortlisted from the thousands of entries submitted can be found at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/KNWsKPrg7stQ54tTbcf6P7/500-words-the-stories