Can you imagine being eight years old and the story that you have written about your hero is sent to them – and they read it and love it?
That is exactly what happened to eight-year-old William Potts from Peterlee.
He received the surprise of his life when his imaginative story was shared by his English teacher with one half of popular presenting duo Ant and Dec, Declan Donnelly.
The Geordie I’m a Celeb and Saturday Night Takeaway presenter was videoed reading William’s story and telling him: “I’ve just finished reading your story about Ant and Dec (me) on the desert island with the helicopter.
“I absolutely loved it. I thought it was absolutely brilliant, amazing, fantastic work. I’m going to give it 10 out of 10 and I’m going to sign it as well.
“I can’t wait to read your next one. Keep up the good work and keep working hard.”
William, a Year 4 pupil at Our Lady of The Rosary Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, said: “I was really shocked and really impressed. I was honoured to get the video.”
William’s teacher, Sarah Howells, explained how the story unfolded.
“Dec is my partner’s relative and at a family gathering, I mentioned how one of my children had written a lovely story about him and Ant,” she said.
“He was keen to read it and suggested making a video to show him how much he thought of the story.
‘It was amazing to be able to give a child this experience. It was great to see how much it inspired the children to want to write more. The class was so excited for him, and it was great to see his face after he watched the video.”
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