'Write' on youngsters in Bolton have teamed up with children in Romania to co-author a collection of short stories to raise money for charity.

EntitledPovesti Rostogolite, translating as ‘Untangled Stories’  was unveiled at a book launch at the Consulate General of Romania, in Manchester.

Children, aged between seven and 14, from Bolton St Catherine’s Academy were chosen to write stories to be made into the book.

The five British pupils involved in the project were awarded with distinctions from Rotary Bolton Lever.

Rotary Bolton Lever Vice-President Eda Gliga Baubec was one of the initiators of the concept and the book launch in the UK.

Deputy headteacher and rotary member Christopher Hill said: “It was such a special evening, a great opportunity for the children of Bolton St Catherine’s Academy to be recognised for their writing talents and become published authors on an international stage.

“Their stories were very well written and a testament to their imagination and creativity. We are thankful to the RotaKids Club of Maris Targ Mare in Romania for collaborating with us on this.”The Bolton News: The front cover of the book, Povesti Rostogolite, which translates as ‘Untangled Stories’The front cover of the book, Povesti Rostogolite, which translates as ‘Untangled Stories’ (Image: Bolton Lever Rotary Club)Read more of our top stories here:

Mikolaj Smiech, aged 10, of Bolton St Catherine’s Academy joined the book launch with his parents and shared an excerpt from the story he had written, ‘The Titanium Spider’.

He said: “The story was inspired by a book we shared as our class novel. It was called the Iron Giant, and I was inspired to write my version about a titanium spider that upcycled unwanted metal items. I am so pleased to have collaborated on this project and work with other children across the globe."

Guests at the launch included Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Paul Andrews, members of the consular body, as well as Romanian and British guests, parents and children.

The Consul General of Romania in Manchester, Nicoleta Teodorovici, opened the event, and through her speech she highlighted the importance of promoting passion for literature, for reading and writing, shaping new relationships and recognising common values, as well as celebrating cultural bridges between Romania and the United Kingdom.

She said:  “Through the efforts of the little ones in both states, a book has been formed that demonstrates that when we work together we are stronger, more united, more empathetic and, certainly, more win-win between us, but especially the future generations of young people in Romania and the UK.”

The Rotary Club of Bolton Lever said it would like to share its thanks to all participants and sincere congratulations to all those who contributed to the materialisation of the book and 'this fantastic' Romanian-British collaboration project.

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