A LUXURY Welsh retreat is celebrating National Storytelling Week by partnering with a primary school in Llansantffraid to share creative stories about their beautiful local landscape.

Bryn Tanat Hall is fostering creativity and imagination in the children by promoting the art of storytelling, encouraging them to submit stories about the picturesque Llansantffraid area and surrounding region to win book vouchers for a local independent bookshop.

Bryn Tanat has partnered with Llansantffraid Church in Wales Primary School, in Church Lane, for the storytelling competition where pupils are to submit a story between 100-500 words, but they are opening the competition to other schools and primary-aged children in the local area.

Open to children aged 11 and under, Bryn Tanat wants to hear young peoples' creative perspectives on the region's scenery, wildlife, and natural hot spots, giving a fresh and unique viewpoint on the local community and its offerings.

Bonus marks will be awarded to budding storytellers if they can successfully tie their masterpieces to Bryn Tanat’s exclusive country house, positioned within acres of woodland gardens rolling down towards the banks of the River Tanat, and parkland edged with Scots Pine coppices.

Kirsty Martin, from Bryn Tanat Hall, said: “Being located in the heart of the Welsh-countryside, we have always benefited from the creativity and inspiration that the local landscape brings and we’re excited to see how this influences the stories produced.

“We are looking for innovative and inspiring stories that sell the beauty of the area, and inspire people to visit this part of the UK. We’re looking for those secret spots and tales that only someone who lives here would know.”

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Entries to the competition can be fiction or nonfiction, penned like a novel or with inspiration taken from famous Welsh poets, such as Dylan Thomas.

Winners will be announced during National Storytelling Week (January 28-February 5), with prizes including a gift voucher for Booka Bookshop, an independent bookshop and cafe in the border market town of Oswestry.

Meinir Wyn Morris, headteacher of Llansantffraid Church, added: “Our pupils are always up for a challenge, and were delighted to be asked to take part in the storytelling competition.

"It’s also important for the children to take time to reflect and be appreciative of their local surroundings.”

The deadline for entries is Sunday, February 5 and all stories are to be sent via email to brytanathall@picpr.com

For more information about Bryn Tanat Hall, please visit https://bryntanat.co.uk/

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