18:11 20 January 2016
The Duchess of Cornwall will be the honorary judge for Chris Evans’s short story competition that will be participated by under-13s who will write a story about any fictional topic in 500 words. Other judges are children’s authors Malorie Blackman, Charlie Higson, Frank Cottrell Boyce and Francesca Simon. The competition will be broadcasted live from Shakespeare’s Globe in London.
Evans said: "Myself and the 500 words team at BBC Radio 2 are hugely proud and honoured to welcome the Duchess of Cornwall as an honorary judge for the competition.
"Does this mean Radio 2 is now 'by royal appointment'? How exciting! And with this final taking place in the amazing surroundings of Shakespeare's Globe, this will be a truly special year for the competition."
The competition, which is on its sixth year, has received a record of 120,421 entries last year.
The live finale will be broadcasted over BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast show on May 27 and will be participated by the finalists. The competition is part of BBC’s celebration of Shakespeare’s 400-year death anniversary.