STUDENTS stepped back in time to take part in a creative writing competition based on old sayings.

The Brunner Competition, hosted by Richard Huish College, saw a record number of entries with nearly 300 from nine partner schools.

The challenge, in its 22nd year, was to write up to 1,500 words on a short story, monologue, play or poem.

The English department judged the competition, Matilda Helyer from The Castle School was given the Brunner Cup.

The schools taking part were Bishop Fox’s Community School, The Castle School, Court Fields School, Haygrove School, Heathfield Community School, Stanchester Academy, The Taunton Academy, The Kings of Wessex Academy and West Somerset College.

Sue Morkane, event organiser and Brunner Cup judge, said: "The creative writing across Devon and Somerset schools and colleges is impressively high.

"We judges marvel at the creativity, variety and sheer craftsmanship of the entries we get.

"It is not surprising that we have increased the number of prizes across all categories to 38 this year, in recognition of the number of excellent entries - to quote one of the old sayings used as a title this year, they really have gone ‘the extra mile’."

At the presentation evening on November 22, the audience heard extracts from the winners as they collected their trophies

The Lucas Cup and Ross Patterson award was given out as well as Taunton Academy winner.

Winners: 

Brunner Cup Winners – Julia Jeziorny (Heathfield), Charlotte Grant (Kings of Wessex), Jonathan Brown (Haygrove), Jess Strong (Bishop Fox’s), Holly Moule (Haygrove).

Taunton Academy winner – Chris Wood (Taunton Academy)

Lucas Cup Winner – Bex Merrell (Huish)

Lucas Cup winners – Nimi Bajracharya (Castle), Kyla Camama (Castle), Amy Hough (Huish), Eleanor Davidson (Huish), Lara Hill (Taunton Academy).

Ross Paterson Award Winner – Alice Ball, winner of the Ross Paterson award holding her trophy.

Ross Paterson Award Winners – Caitlin Horne (Huish), Amelia Davies (Huish), Mara Carey-Wood (huish), Alice Ball (Huish), John Gilding (Huish), Josh Goodwin (Huish), Saskia Rickard (Huish), Alannah Southerton (Huish).