A WIRRAL schoolboy's story celebrating the life of his grandfather has won a prize in a national competition.

Connor Donoghue, from Calday Grange Grammar School, won the 14-16 year old category of the Celebration Day contest.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted to have won this amazing competition.

"It is truly thrilling to have been awarded such a great accolade. I can't believe I have won.

"To any other students who are thinking of entering writing competitions - try it. I didn't think I would win but I am overjoyed to have won."

Organised by The Day – the online daily newspaper for young people - the contest was open to five-18 year olds.

To be in with a chance of winning, entrants were challenged to celebrate someone remarkable from the past with a written or recorded audio entry.

The competition is in support of this year’s Celebration Day, taking place on Monday, May 27, which is aimed at encouraging people to remember and celebrate the lives of those who are no longer here but continue to inspire us.

Through this competition The Day worked to encourage young people to discover their voice and build confidence in sharing their stories.

Entries didn't have to be about famous people, but they did have to focus on someone who has passed away.

This year there was a new optional theme of 'sporting heroes throughout history' and a 'teacher category', where adult educators can enter a submission to win a prize.

As part of the prize giving, Dame Katherine Grainger DBE - the current chair of UK Sport and British former rower who won Gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics - has recorded a special recital of the three winning entries on sporting figures. Nathaniel Parker, will be recording his recital of the other winning entries.

Dame Katherine said: "Celebration Day is all about honouring those who have gone but left a lasting positive example, and it’s been really touching reading the winners entries and seeing who has inspired them.

"I can particularly relate to the sporting entries as there are many sporting heroes of my own who I would love to write about.

"Finding your voice and being able to share your thoughts is one of the keys to a happy and successful life, and this competition is a brilliant way to encourage young people to play with, and develop, those skills."

Winners were picked across five age group categories alongside an additional teacher category. The competition was free to enter, with winners also being awarded an iPad each.

The recordings of the performances by Dame Katherine Grainger and Nathaniel Parker will be hosted on The Day’s website from this Friday, May 24.

Visit www.theday.co.uk to find out more.