Frank Cottrell-Boyce inspires young voices in St Helens

Article date: 28 January 2026

The competition - delivered by the council's school effectiveness service, through a commitment to improving literacy and instilling a love of reading in young people - encouraged children and young people to express their thoughts and make their voices heard on topics such as inspiring others, advocating for change, and demonstrating creativity.

Winning pupils were invited to St Helens Town Hall, where their achievements were celebrated alongside one of the borough's most distinguished cultural figures, Frank Cottrell‑Boyce. Originally from Rainhill, Frank is renowned for children's titles - including his Carnegie Medal‑winning debut Millions - and for co‑writing the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony with Danny Boyle.

Among those recognised on the day was 16‑year‑old Sutton Academy student and St Helens Youth Council member, Libby Wright.

Libby said: "This was a good opportunity for all the young people here - it gives us a chance to speak about the issues that we think are prominent in St Helens. I also think it's good that we've had the opportunity to speak about what we believe is right because there's members of the council here that can listen to us and really understand how we feel as young people.

"In the world of AI and having all this technology to help us do things, we're sort of losing the art of creativity that people have. Having competitions like this gives us the opportunity to bring back the creativity that young people should have, rather than just relying on technology."

For their fantastic efforts, students received copies of some of Frank's most‑loved books which he personally signed, while Frank himself was presented with a personalised piece of glassware from St Helens Borough Council as a thank you for his involvement.

Reflecting on the event, Frank Cottrell‑Boyce - who is the Children's Laureate, a role which promotes the importance of children's literature, reading, creativity and storytelling - said:"I've not been in this town hall since I got my A‑Level results so it's fantastic to be here.

"To hear the beautiful voices of the next generation who spoke so eloquently, it makes you feel optimistic for the future of the town. I think we really undervalue talking and listening in education. There's a lot of emphasis on writing and reading but talking and listening are the human skills."

Showing his support for the #lovesthelens campaign, he added: "As G.K Chesterton said - 'men did not love Rome because she was great. She was great because they had loved her' and people from St Helens love St Helens. I smuggled St Helens' motto - Ex Terra Lucem (From the Ground, Light) into the Olympic opening ceremony in 2012. I just think it's really the most beautiful motto any city or town has got in the whole world - it's amazing because it celebrates the hard work that people did here to bring light to the rest of the world. A beautiful thing and a poem in itself."

Praising pupils for their efforts and passing on her thanks to Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Councillor Nova Charlton, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said:

"Our children and young people have shown incredible confidence, creativity and passion through this competition and they should be immensely proud of what they've achieved. Giving children and young people the best start in life and the chance to express themselves, be heard, and celebrate their talents is at the heart of what we want for St Helens.

"We are hugely grateful to Frank Cottrell‑Boyce for inspiring our pupils and for helping make this event so special. His journey shows exactly what is possible for young people in our borough, and I hope this competition encourages every child and young person here to keep believing in their own voice and potential."