A BUDDING writer from Dunfermline beat off competition from more than 100,000 other young authors to land a place in a national competition final.

Duloch Primary pupil Rowan Golon, eight, was one of just 25 youngsters in her age group who made it to the final of BBC Radio 2’s 500 Words creative writing contest.

Her story, Pumping Princess Pumpletoot, told the story of a five-year-old princess with a rather disgusting habit.

Rowan travelled to Windsor Castle earlier this month for the final which was live on Zoe Ball’s breakfast show and included speakers David Walliams, Hugh Bonneville, Michael Sheen and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Mum Hazel was super-proud of her daughter’s achievement.

“There were over 100,000 entries – she was down to the last 50 and the last 25 in her age group,” she said. “She had seen an advert for it when watching kids’ TV and said she would like to enter.

“She has always been one for writing stories. She made the story up and I had to type it into the computer. They didn’t judge on spelling and grammar, it was more her creativity.

“She got an email back saying she was through to the semi-final which was the last 5,000 then we got an email saying she was into the final.

“We are so proud of her. She has always loved English and likes to read.”

After the final, Rowan got a special tour of Windsor Castle which even included a trip to the Queen’s private library.

“It was a super experience,” added Hazel. “She got a lovely certificate and a nice photo.

“The school has been very supportive too. Her teacher, Mrs Carter, arranged for all the kids to go in early on the day of they final and they had a breakfast in the classroom and listened to it on the radio.”