Northamptonshire's Erin has a tale to tell thanks to Zoe Ball's Breakfast Show

Erin Taylor from Towcester is among the finalists in Zoe Ball's story-telling competition

Northamptonshire schoolgirl Erin Taylor will have the radio turned up nice and loud next month waiting to hear if she is a winner in a coveted story-writing competition.

Erin, from Towcester, is among the 28 finalists in the 10-13-year-old age group whittled down from thousands of entries by Zoe Ball and her fellow judges — including the Duchess of Cornwall — for the final round of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show's 500 words competition.

Erin's tale The Mars Theory is being judged ahead of the big reveal of the six winners on June 12 — but it is already available to read and hear being narrated on the BBC 2 website HERE.

Just one disappointment, the winners will not get a planned trip to Buckingham Palace for the final which will be replaced by a virtual event.

Show host Zoe Ball said: “In such strange and difficult times, it has been an absolute joy to read the hilarious, super inventive and often very moving stories cooked up by brilliant young writers up and down the country.

"I’m delighted that the Great British public now has the opportunity to enjoy the very best stories which have been beautifully narrated by professional actors. What a treat!”

The panel judging Erin and her rivals in the age group, plus another 28 finalists aged between five and nine, also includes former Breakfast Show host Chris Evans — who started the competition in 2011 — and award-winning authors Malorie Blackman, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Charlie Higson and Francesca Simon.

Radio host Zoe with judges Chris Evans and the Duchess of Cornwall at last year's 500 Words final. Photo: Getty Images

Helen Thomas, Head of Content Commissioning for Radio 2, said: “Now in its tenth year, the entries to the Breakfast Show’s 500 Words have proved to be even better than ever!

"Selecting these finalists was incredibly tough, so huge congratulations to all who’ve made it through. And whilst current circumstances surrounding coronavirus mean we are unfortunately no longer able to hold the live final at Buckingham Palace, rest assured that plans are under way for a truly wonderful virtual celebration in June instead.”

The six winners will have their stories read out on-air by superstar narrators.

Previous names have included Jenny Agutter, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Broadbent, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paloma Faith, Tom Hiddleston, Jason Isaacs, Michael Sheen, David Suchet, Sandi Toksvig, David Walliams and Julie Walters.

Each of the children will also receive illustrations of their tale from a top children’s illustrator with Tony Ross, Margaret Sturton, David Roberts, Sue Cheung, Fiona Lumbers and Axel Scheffler all taking part.