Carol Kirkwood is the star judge of a children’s writing competition in Sussex.

Children and young people between the ages of seven and 16 years will write a short story on the theme of ‘Donald the Cat’s Great Adventure’.

Carol will then pick her favourite entries and the authors of the first, second, and third-placed stories in both age groups will receive a prize. The two groups are seven to 11 years old and 12 to 16.

The cost to enter the competition is £2 and all funds raised will help animal charity Wadars, based in Worthing, to look after the dozens of cats, dogs, rabbits, and numerous other small pets in its care.

The TV weather presenter and bestselling author, who has recently published her third novel, said: “I’m a firm believer in bringing out children’s creativity, and entering this competition is a great way for them to express themselves and show off their creative skills.

“As an animal lover myself I was delighted to be asked to judge this competition and I look forward to reading the entries.”

Wadars also operates a wildlife helpline and mobile rescue service, responding to calls from members of the public who are concerned about sick and injured wildlife, and also rehomes domestic animals.

Wadars fundraising manager, Jenny Freeman said; “We are very excited to be launching this short story competition and are extremely grateful to Carol for kindly agreeing to judge the winning entries for us.

We are also very grateful to Waterstones, Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop, for providing the prizes.”

The competition closes at 6pm on November 12 and anyone interested in entering should visit the Wadars website and search for story competition.

READ MORE: Avian flu outbreak in Worthing means more than 100 birds killed

It comes after cases of deadly avian influenza were found at Wadars earlier this year which meant the centre was shut down by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

One hundred birds were culled and staff who had been in contact with infected animals were ordered to take antiviral medication for ten days, as the disease has been known to transfer to humans.

Officials then implemented a strict cleaning regime to clear Wadars of bird flu, which cost the charity tens of thousands of pounds.