The mysterious background of an historical children's dagger has been gripping the imaginations of young writers.

Prize winners - John Baron MP with three of the four winners Tom Deacon, seven, Emily Trapp, 12, and Julia Cockcroft, seven Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Billericay youngsters were asked to write a short story entitled The Shenfield Dagger to commemorate a historic children's dagger donated to the Cater Museum by a local resident.

The four winners, each of whom won various prizes from the bookshop, were awarded by John Baron MP and judges Francis Clamp and Sylvia Kent at a ceremony.

The museum had joined forces with Swan Books and the Brentwood Writers' Group and was open to two age groups - seven to 11 years and 12 to 18 years.

Published Tuesday December 16, 2003

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