AUTHOR Ally Kennen was the guest of honour as the English department at The Castle School in Taunton celebrated the work of its students.

Students from ages 11 to 16 performed readings, drama and gave public speaking performances to an audience of parents and staff.

Ally was invited to judge the annual inter-house creative writing competition in which the six school houses compete for the House Creative Writing Trophy.

Thirty-six students took part and the author's judging skills were severely tested by the quality of writing from all students.

During the English celebration evening, she announced the results of the competition, praising the quality of writing and high standards of entry.

Adam Hodge, a year 10 student from Balmoral House, was awarded the poetry prize for his work entitled 'Boat in the Water' while Jack Turnbull, a year 11 student from Lancaster House, took the prose prize for his entry 'Fyne Court'.

The much coveted House Trophy was awarded to Buckingham House for its overall folder of work.