A BUDDING young writer from Fordingbridge has reached the top 50 of a national story competition out of thousands of entries.

Hector Godden, who attends Fordingbridge Junior School, impressed judges with his story, Bob and the Plastic Pirates.

The 500 word story was inspired by Hector's trip to Canada where he got to see orcas and humpback whales. He wanted to highlight the dangers of throwing plastic into the sea and the deadly impact it can have for these creatures.

On getting into the top 50 in the 5-9 age group category of the 500 Word competition, he said: "I'm very amazed, I didn't even think I would get into the top 5,000."

But the eight-year-old says it was tough keeping the story within the 500 word limit.

Hector will now go to a special event with the other finalists at Hampton Court on June 8, which he says he is "very excited" about.

This will be when the winners are announced.

He will also get the chance to go to a recording of the Chris Evans Breakfast Show.

The 500 Words competition is a BBC Radio 2 competition spearheaded Chris Evans and sponsored by honorary judge the Duchess of Cornwall.

Hector made it into the top 50 out of about135,000 entries.

Prizes for the winners include a ride around the palace in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, plus Tea on the Thames on the Queen's rowbarge, Gloriana.

His mum Georgina said: "We are absolutely bursting with pride and cannot believe he has done so well."

Hector’s story is available to read and listen to online at bbc.co.uk