Comedy award for 11 to 18 year-olds launched

A new comedy award has been launched for 11 to 18 year-olds.

The Louise Rennison National Funny Award is looking for up to 1,000 words, three pages of creative copy, or a funny video performance from young people.

Inspired by the legacy of late author and comedian Louise Rennison, the award is free to enter.

Submissions closing on August 31st, where a panel of judges - including presenters, comedians and writers - will select the overall competition winners - set to be revealed in October.

CBBC presenter and awards judge Ben Shires says: "In these bizarre times when schools are closed and the world is all looking a bit gloomy, the Louise Rennison National Funny Award gives young people up and down the country a great way to get creative and focus on something positive and fun."

Ben continues: "Whether you think you're funny or not, it really doesn't matter - it's all about trying something new and having a laugh whilst doing it. I think we can all agree, more laughter is exactly what the country needs right now - especially the younger generation - so get involved and let's all have a good old giggle!"

Fellow judges include comedian Andi Osho, TV presenters Jonny Nelson and Lauren Layfield, writer and author Mark Heywood, talent manager Kate Haldane and director of Hay Children's Festival, Julia Eccleshare.

The competition falls into two categories:

Comedic Writing: Up to 1,000 words of creative copy - this could be a short story, a script, a screen play, a book chapter or an article for a magazine or newspaper.

Comedic Performance: Up to three minutes of video - this could be a scene for a film, a TV show, a play, an advert or a stand-up performance.

Submissions will be judged in two age bands: 11 to 14 and 15 to 18 with the option to enter as an individual or a group (up to four people maximum).

There will be prizes for first place, second place and third place runners up that include interactive comedic and creative writing and performance workshops with established writers and comedians; with over 100 books to be given away to runners up.

The award is has been created and is being overseen by Louise's family. Her sister Sophie Severs explains: "Louise was such a beloved talent, who enjoyed nothing more than to make people smile through her storytelling. The creation of this award is not only to honour her legacy, but to inspire positivity and creativity in the next generation through the power of comedy. This is reflected in the experiences we are offering as prizes. It's not about winning an award to sit on the mantel piece - winners will have the opportunity to undertake immersive workshops with some of the top creative and comedic talent in the country."

Sophie concludes: "Most of all the award is about exploring comedy, trying something different and having fun!"

For more visit louiserennisonnationalfunnyaward.com