A SCHOOLBOY has been given the chance to work with a top publisher and meet judge Claudia Winkleman after winning a national bedtime story competition.

Nine-year-old Frasier Cox, from Brighton, was announced as the winner of Book People’s Bedtime Story Competition, with his winning story There’s A Little Boy The Same As Me being selected from more than 1,300 entries.

As the overall winner, Frasier will get the chance to work with publisher Little Tiger and renowned illustrator Alison Brown to turn his story into a picture book to be sold next year.

Frasier, who has autism, centred his entry around a hypothetical friendship with a boy who is just like him.

The boy is a refugee who shares the same interests and childhood hopes.

The youngster said: “I’m really pleased and very excited to have won and can’t wait for my story to be made in to a real book. I love reading and writing stories and to know that my book will be read by children all over the country makes me very proud.”

Frasier recently enjoyed a day out in London, where he got a chance to meet the competition’s head judge Claudia Winkleman at Choccywoccydoodah.

Ms Winkleman, who present’s TV’s Strictly Come Dancing, said: “I was blown away by the standard of the stories and writing from all the entries into Book People’s Bedtime Story Competition.

“Frasier’s story is incredibly touching and thought provoking and it’s absolutely remarkable a nine-year-old boy has written such a thoughtful story.

“Frasier is a very worthy overall winner and I can’t wait to see the final version with Alison Brown’s brilliant illustrations once it’s been made into a real book next year.”

The young writer will also receive £250 in books to enjoy at home plus £250 worth of books for his school, Queen’s Park Primary in Brighton.

The competition challenged young authors aged between five and 11 to create a book on the theme of friendship.

The judging panel also featured author and radio DJ Christian O’Connell and representatives from Book People and Little Tiger Press.

Frasier was presented with an exclusive drawing of his story by Ms Brown before being announced as the overall winner.

Leading children’s author and illustrator Ms Brown said: “If a top adult author tried to write these sentiments in a child’s voice, I don’t think they could have done a better job.”

Frasier’s book will be made available to buy from thebookpeople.co.uk next summer.