A SCHOOLGIRL from Oxford's short story was published in an anthology of tales for World Book Day.

Madeleine Latham's tale An Easter Story was among just 12 chosen from more than 3,000 entries across the country to appear in a special book sold to raise awareness of World Book Day.

The 11-year-old from North Oxford, who is a pupil at Oxford High School, was among 60 Year Seven pupils who had a go at writing a story from a first line provided by children's author Stewart Ross.

Her English teacher Julie Runacres said: "I thought it was very good, it was polished and very funny.

"I was delighted for her, it was thrilling and I thought it was absolutely right."

Madeleine's tale, which was developed from the line "'No you can't,' growled Uncle Turpin, without even looking up from his dinner" is a twist on the Resurrection story, in which a group of children decide to bury their brother in the garden to see if he will come back to life. But after being forbidden to bury Aloysius, they try it with a blackbird instead - but leave their uncle's home before they find out if it was successful.

Madeleine said: "I'm really pleased and just so happy to have won".

Stewart Ross picked the 12 winning entries from contributions from more than 600 schools.

He said: "I am flabbergasted at the range, subtlety and imagination of the stories submitted to the competition.

"The standard of creativity and literary awareness was universally high."

Fifteen of the efforts from pupils at Oxford High School were put forward to the competition and Mrs Runacres said she was very impressed with the calibre of entries.

Madeleine's prize was 200 copies of the book for her school.

Mrs Runacres said: "It was really exciting to see the work of someone the pupils know in print. I think Madeleine has a future in writing."