TAKING CREATIVITY TO NEW HEIGHTS

Young writer's career to take off

 (Luton, UK – 22, February 2016) - To mark the arrival of its new on-board cuddly toy, Charlotte Bear, Monarch is searching for the UK's most talented junior writers to let their imaginations fly and pen a short story for the chance to become an official published travel writer.

Charlotte Bear will join Monarch's existing on-board teddy bear, George and will be on-board and available to purchase on all Monarch flights from 1st May 2016.

In celebration of Charlotte Bear's inaugural flight, the UK independent airline group is calling for young writers, aged between seven and twelve, to draft a short 250-word story about the pair's adventures.

The story can be a true account about a holiday the child has experienced, from the flight to fun activities and experiences they have had whilst away, or a holiday straight from their wildest imagination.

The competition winner's story will be brought to life with full illustrations, and feature in the airline's inflight magazine, Passport, which is available on every one of Monarch's flights and read by over 1.8 million passengers per issue. The story will also appear in Monarch's inflight duty-free magazine, Love 2 Shop and Monarch's popular travel blog -blog.monarch.co.uk.

The winner will also be treated to a family holiday* to the island of Tenerife with Monarch, staying at the Adrián Hoteles 5-star rated, Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel for seven nights on a half board basis.

Ozma Saleem, General Manager for Inflight Retail & Catering at Monarch comments: “This is a really exciting opportunity for young wannabe authors with a real sense of adventure to showcase their writing skills to both UK and international readers.

“We know there is a wealth of talent out there, and we're calling on promising young writers to let their imaginations reach new heights and get scribbling.  We are excited to hear all about the potential exploits of Charlotte and George on their travels.  Will they spend their holiday discovering hidden shipwrecks, digging for treasure on secret beaches or speed down the slopes on a snowboarding expedition? The possibilities are endless.”

To enter people can either visit www.monarch.co.uk/competitions/charlotte-the-bear  or email their submission to social.media2@monarch.co.uk  the competition is now open and the closing date is Sunday 6th March 2016

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

*T&Cs apply please visit http://po.st/CharlotteBearTCs for further information.

There will be 30 runner up prizes of a Charlotte or George Bear. The prizes are not transferable and no cash alternative will be offered.  Entrants must be aged between 7-12 and have the permission of a parent or guardian to enter.  Closing date for entries is 11.59am on Sunday 6th March 2016.  For full T&Cs visit http://po.st/CharlotteBearTCs