A GIFTED schoolgirl has been named the 'Best Writer in the Universe' after winning a prestigious literary competition.

Katie Rogers, 12, collected the coveted title after dazzling judges in the under-25s section of the eponymous contest with her short story, 'The Differences Between Purple and Green' - a romantic tale about how opposites attract.

The youngster, who is a pupil at Bancroft's in Woodford Green, was also given £500 worth of tokens to buy books for the school's library.

She said: "I’m really looking forward to enjoying reading all those new books. I love all kinds of stories and would find it almost impossible to name the real ‘Best Writer in the Universe.'"

The competition was organised by writer and artist Ben Cormack, who set participants the task of writing a comic story with a quirky twist.

In addition, Katie’s story, has also been recorded as a podcast by National Theatre actor, Tim McMullan.

Two other Bancroft’s pupils, Anika Patel and Katherine Stevens, were named among the runners-up in the competition.