Caring sister's tribute to first class brother shortlisted for award

Children across Northern Ireland were asked to write to their 1st Class Hero and entries from across the region show that admiration for relatives is as strong as for sporting heroes and pop stars.

Amber Cromie, 8, a pupil at Lisburn Central Primary, wrote a letter to her brother Joshua, which impressed judges with its sincerity and imagination using creative skills to tell the reader why her brother was her hero.

Amber says in her letter: "Joshua has cerebral palsy which means his arms and legs don't work as well as other children's. He wears things called splints on both his legs to help him walk better. He is very fast on his scooter but can't go on a bike." Amber goes on to say, "He is also very kind and buys me presents every time he is away on a trip. Joshua is very clever and always tries his best so that is why he is my first class hero."

Amber is one of ten children short-listed in this age category and will receive a First Day Cover of the Royal Society stamps together with a presentation pack of 1st Class stamps to encourage more letter-writing.

There are three categories in the competition for ages 7-9, 10-11, and a Special Achievement award, for children who overcome particular difficulties to enter.

Winners in each category will be announced on March 11. They will each receive a set of Smilers stamps and a 50 book token, plus a 75-box of letter writing goodies to share with their classmates. The three runners up in each category each win a 10 book token.

Local author and professional storyteller, Liz Weir, a member of the judging panel, said: "In this fast-paced world of texts, tweeting and e-mail it is heartening to see that young people have not lost the art of letter writing. Some of the entries in the competition moved me to laughter and tears and I was very impressed by the quality of the letter writing."