A West Cumbrian schoolgirl has made it into the final of a national writing competition which 123,000 youngsters entered.

Beatrice Muncaster, eight, of Eaglesfield Paddle Primary Academy, is through to the final 50 of the BBC 500 Words writing competition, part of Chris Evans’s BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

The Greysouthen youngster will travel to London next week for the final at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on Friday, where the breakfast show will be broadcast live.

Honorary judge the Duchess of Cornwall will present the prizes.

Beatrice wrote Magnificent Charlotte for the five to nine category. 

Beatrice's parents, Darren and Annette and sister Poppy, six, will travel to London with her.

Darren said: "The story is about a girl who can do amazing things that puzzle everyone around her. In the end her mum and dad realise that her brain is connected to the internet which is all very confusing for everyone including Charlotte!"

Beatrice, who is in a writing club at school, said: "I love writing. I was so shocked when I found out I was in the final, I'm really excited about next week. We have been telling lots of people!"

Headteacher Dawn Watson said: "We are very excited about Beatrice's story being selected for the top 50. This is testament to her talent and hard work.

"We would like to wish Beatrice all the very best of luck for the final."

There are two age groups in the competition. The winner of each wins Chris Evans' height (6ft 1in) in books and 500 books for their school library.

Second prize is The One Show presenter Alex Jones' height in books and third prize is the young writer's height in books.